Information providing system and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A terminal apparatus obtains desired information from information providers and prints the information in high quality as needed. The terminal adds advertisement information to the desired information, which reduces the cost for obtaining and printing the desired information. The terminal calculates the advertisement fee by counting the number of printing of the advertisement. The terminal charges the user, up to the maximum limit desired, for the information obtained and printed according to the print amount. The terminal allows the information providers to avoid paying the advertisement fee unlimitedly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an information processingmethod, an output control method, an apparatus and a system therefor,allowing to provide and acquire information with a level satisfactory tothe information providing side and the information receiving side andalso with an appropriate layout.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004] There have conventionally been conceived services for providingvarious information. For information providing, there are known variousforms such as 1) internet web, 2) internet pushed news delivery service,3) fax information take-out service, 4) information requesting couponattached to newspaper or magazine, 5) free dialing inquiry, and 6)mailing reference requesting postcard, etc. These methods are associatedwith respective advantages and disadvantages, and there is being desiredbetter service capable of providing a larger number of people withinformation.

[0005] On the other hand, there are increasing information providingservices by character information or image information, with thespreading of mobile information terminals such as mobile telephones.However, the display ability of such mobile terminals is limited insize, color, resolution etc., and the services of the above-mentionedforms may be utilized for complementing such limited ability.

[0006] Nevertheless the conventional information providing servicesmentioned above have respective limitations. For example the services 1)and 2) are available only to the users of personal computer or terminal,skilled in the internet environment. In addition, there is required acumbersome procedure for finding the URL (unifor resource locator)required for making access to the desired information.

[0007] Also the service 3) is limited to the facsimile users, and isalso limited by the printing ability (monochromatic, print preview etc.)of the facsimile apparatus owned by each user. Besides the output cost(telephone fee, paper fee etc.) has to be borne by the user.

[0008] The services 4) and 6) are available to unspecified plural users,but the information can be acquired several hours or several days afterthe service is requested. Also the information provider has to preparephysical processing system for providing the information, so that thereis required an information providing cost.

[0009] In the service 5), there can only be obtained aural informationthrough the telephone. Also if the information can be requested afteraural conversation, the information itself can only be provided severalhours or several days later. Besides the information provider has toprepare a physical processing system such as an automatic respondingtape or a telephone operator.

[0010] In consideration of the foregoing, for realizing a betterinformation providing service, there can be conceived a system ofoutputting specified information by a code system represented by symbolsand numbers (hereinafter tentatively called P-code system). There isconceived demand that any person can obtain high quality output ofdetailed information in any place at any time.

[0011] However, the number of codes will become enormously large if allthe information is to be given by the code entered by the user, and theincrease in the number of digits of the code will increase theprobability of erroneous input.

[0012] Also there exist various limitations even if the above-mentioneddrawback is resolved. For example, the cost of information is a problem.As an example, color printout is still expensive. In the field ofinternet, there is conceived a service in which the information providerprovides the information free of charge by inserting an advertisementfrom an advertisement provider, but the general user is still resistantto the acquisition of the information by printout since the printingprocess is costly in case of acquiring such information at a copy shopor a convenience store.

[0013] On the other hand, from the standpoint of the advertisementprovider, the randomly distributed advertisement such as fold-in in thenewspaper has a low hit rate (ratio of the number of actual customersper the number of delivered advertisements). Also from the standpoint ofthe user obtaining the printout, the randomly printed advertisement isoften irrelevant to the interest of the user and merely an obstacle.There will result waste of print paper unless such limitations areresolved.

[0014] Besides, the information desired by the user has various sizesand various layouts. Consequently, the insertion of an advertisement maycause overflow of data from the limited space, thereby eventuallycausing the advertisement alone to be printed on an additional page. Onthe other hand, the data printout, if unconditionally reduced in size,may become illegible depending on the size of the original data. Thus,such service may eventually lack attractiveness to the user and theadvertisement provider.

[0015] Even if the user is allowed to arbitrarily select whether or notto output the advertisement, it will be time-taking and cumbersome toconfirm and determine whether or not to print the advertisements one byone. Particularly in case the user executes the printing operation onthe operation panel of a terminal for example in a convenience store,the panel operation may take a long time whereby the terminal may beintolerably occupied by a user. Also the store attendant may have torespond to the inquiry of the user, for example on the operations on thepanel, and these factors may hinder efficient information providing.

[0016] Further, in case the advertisement provider has an agreement witha fixed number of advertisement for a fixed fee, expecting the output inexcess of such number, the number of actually printed advertisements maybecome short of the anticipated number or the corresponding fee, againstsuch expectation. Such situation is unsatisfactory to the advertisementprovider.

[0017] Furthermore, in case the information and the advertisement are tobe printed at the same time, it is difficult to spare a large area forthe advertisement if they are to be printed on the same side of thesheet. Also the printing of plural information and advertisement on thesame side requires a complex automatic layout process.

[0018] Also there is conceived a case of registering desired informationin advance and outputting such information afterwards, but, in case ofregistering the information on a network or the like, the user wishes toexecute the previewing operation as soon as possible at the selection ofthe file to be registered, in order to confirm the content of theselected file. However the exact preview is possible only after theregistration of all the information.

[0019] Also, in a system in which the information is extracted by acode, the code is renewed and recycled as soon as the effective term ofthe information expires. However, the user may not notice suchexpiration of the effective term of the information and may try accessto the information, using the same code. In such case, if the code isrecycled and assigned to another information, there may result anunpleasant situation for the user and the advertisement provider, suchas the output of the information of a contender. Also for theadvertisement provider, the advertisement delivered regardless of thekind of information provides a low hit rate and is inefficient.

[0020] Also with the spreading of the internet and the mobile terminals,it is rendered possible to read the mails on such mobile terminal or tomake access to the information on the internet from such mobileterminal, but it is still difficult to read all such information on themobile terminal. There are encountered certain drawbacks such asinterruption of a long mail or inability of access to image informationin case of information involving an image. However it is difficult toalways carry the personal computer for the purpose of access to suchinformation. Consequently there still exists demand that anybody canobtained detailed information at any time in a location available toanybody.

[0021] The output has to be provided as inexpensively as possible at alevel satisfactory to the user, but it is difficult to derive a variableprint fee based on the number of prints, price of the printed chargeableinformation and fee of advertisement to be deducted therefrom.

[0022] On the other hand, the newspaper contains many information, butmost of such information is often not required by the user. Theindividual user may wish certain information everyday, but the searchfrom the personal computer is cumbersome and time-taking. There isalready available a service providing certain information as a pack, butthe user cannot arbitrarily select the combination of the informationprovided in such service.

[0023] Conventionally, the information providing is executed by certaininternet providers, and the general users can only extract theinformation from the terminal therefor. Also the owner of personalcomputer can execute information transmission by opening a home page,but the description of such home page is not necessarily easy for allthe users.

[0024] Furthermore, the advertisement of a food or a restaurant may notbe adequate for example in an article reporting a poisoning from eating.Searching character trains in the information and providing anadvertisement matching such information may have an adverse effectdepending on the content of the information, but there is no effectivemeans for preventing such situation.

[0025] Therefore, there has been desired a service capable of solvingthe above-described drawbacks singly or in combination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In consideration of the foregoing, an object of the presentinvention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a methodand a program therefor, adapted to read, from memory means, first valueinformation indicating the value for output information to be outputtedand second value information indicating the value of additionalinformation to be added to the output information, and to determine thevalue of the output of the output information and the additionalinformation, based on the first information of the output informationand the second value information of the additional information to beadded to the output information.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide an outputcontrol apparatus, a method and a program therefor, adapted for enteringcode information for specifying output information, also enteringsetting information for the output of the output information,transmitting thus entered code information and setting information to anexternal apparatus and receiving, from the external apparatus, valueinformation indicating the value of the output and determined in theexternal apparatus based on first value information indicating the valueof the output information specified by the transmitted code informationand second value information indicating the value of additionalinformation to be added to the output information at the output.

[0028] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aninformation providing system consisting of an information processingapparatus and an output control apparatus connected through a network, amethod and a program therefor, wherein the output control apparatus isadapted to enter code information for specifying output information andto transmit the code information entered by code input means, while theinformation processing apparatus is adapted to read first valueinformation indicating the value of the output information to beoutputted and second value information indicating the value ofadditional information to be added to the output information from memorymeans, to receive the code information and to determine the value of theoutput of the output information and the additional information, basedon the first value information indicting the value of the outputinformation specified by the received code information and the secondvalue information indicating the additional information to be added tothe output information at the output.

[0029] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aninformation processing apparatus, a method and a program therefor,adapted for entering code information corresponding to outputinformation, acquiring the output information to which the entered codeinformation correspond, acquiring additional information to be outputtedtogether with the output information, and controlling an output unit soas to output the output information and the additional information basedon the output face information of the additional information.

[0030] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aninformation processing apparatus, a method and a program therefor,adapted for receiving code information corresponding to outputinformation from an external apparatus, acquiring the output informationcorresponding to the received code information, acquiring additionalinformation to be outputted together with the acquired outputinformation, generating output information for outputting the outputinformation and the additional information based on the output faceinformation of the additional information, and transmitting thegenerated output information to the external apparatus.

[0031] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aninformation processing apparatus, a method and a program therefor,adapted for acquiring plural output information corresponding to enteredcode information, receiving an instruction for outputting all theacquired output information, and receiving an instruction for outputtingonly a part of the acquired plural output information.

[0032] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aninformation processing apparatus, a method and a program therefor,adapted for selecting an accounting method for the information output,and, in case the selected accounting method is a cash payment,controlling an output unit so as to output a symbol indicating theamount of the value for the output of the information, together withsuch information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of the informationproviding method, apparatus and system therefor of the presentinvention;

[0034]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a kioskterminal and a CanDINet control unit 100 in an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0035]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a color output unit with ascanner and a two-side printing function, constituting an example of theinformation output unit (printer) of an information output apparatus 113of the kiosk terminal 110;

[0036]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an ink jet printer capable offeeding prints sheets (not shown) of plural kinds;

[0037]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the process sequence of the kioskterminal 110;

[0038]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in providing an information processing service;

[0039]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in a print fee accounting process;

[0040]FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in a printing process;

[0041]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in an accounting process;

[0042]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in a cash accounting process;

[0043]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in another service;

[0044]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in providing a personal information service;

[0045]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in a registration changing process;

[0046]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of the kioskterminal 110 in providing an information registration service;

[0047]FIGS. 15 and 16 are flow charts showing the control sequence ofthe kiosk terminal 110 in a scanner process;

[0048]FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in generating print data with advertisement;

[0049]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in a sheet size determining process;

[0050]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in a sheet size determining process in a mailprint service;

[0051]FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in a layout determining process;

[0052]FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in an advertisement area determining process;

[0053]FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in an advertisement search process;

[0054]FIG. 23 is a view showing an initial display image of the kioskterminal;

[0055]FIG. 24 is a view showing a code input display image;

[0056]FIG. 25 is a view showing a password input display image;

[0057]FIG. 26 is a view showing a display image for code input from amobile telephone;

[0058]FIG. 27 is a view showing a display image for code input by ahandy scanner;

[0059]FIG. 28 is a view showing a display image for an accountingprocess;

[0060]FIG. 29 is a view showing list display image;

[0061]FIG. 30 is a view showing a preview display image;

[0062]FIG. 31 is a view showing an “advertisement setting” displayimage;

[0063]FIG. 32 is a view showing a mailbox display image;

[0064]FIG. 33 is a view showing a display image for selecting the mailprintout method;

[0065]FIG. 34 is a view showing a registration frame display image;

[0066]FIG. 35 is a view showing a change registering display image;

[0067]FIG. 36 is a view showing a display image showing the content ofthe registered frame corresponding to the frame number;

[0068]FIG. 37 is a view showing a display image for selecting the framesheet size or sheet direction;

[0069]FIG. 38 is a view showing a display image for entering telephonenumber;

[0070]FIG. 39. is a view showing a display image indicating theinformation registering method;

[0071]FIG. 40 is a view showing a display image for instructing scannerinput;

[0072]FIG. 41 is a view showing an example of the preview image;

[0073]FIG. 42 is a view showing a password setting display image;

[0074]FIG. 43 is a view showing an effective term setting display image;

[0075]FIG. 44 is a view showing a display image indicating P-code,password, data amount, effective term and registration fee of depositedimage data;

[0076]FIG. 45 is a view showing a display image indicating informationnecessary for determining the sheet size;

[0077]FIG. 46 is a view showing an example of IP informationregistration table;

[0078]FIG. 47 is a view showing an advertisement information table;

[0079]FIG. 48, composed of FIGS. 48A and 48B, is a view showing anexample of user information table;

[0080]FIG. 49 is a view showing an example of P-code table for personalP-code service;

[0081]FIG. 50 is a view showing an example of personal informationtable;

[0082]FIG. 51 is a view showing an example of owner information table;

[0083]FIG. 52 is a view showing a terminal information table;

[0084]FIG. 53 is a basic flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in generating print data;

[0085]FIG. 54 is a view showing an example of layout of advertisementdata;

[0086]FIG. 55 is a view showing an example of layout of theadvertisement data after layout change;

[0087]FIG. 56 is a view showing an example of printout of the generatedprint data;

[0088]FIG. 57 is a view showing an example of keyword list generatedfrom the IP information registration table;

[0089]FIG. 58 is a view showing a registration display image forentering name, contact address etc. by the user;

[0090]FIG. 59 is a view showing a registration display image forentering a password required for changing the content of the userregistration;

[0091]FIG. 60 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating the service to be assigned to the issued P-code;

[0092]FIG. 61 is a view showing a registration display image forentering personal information of the user;

[0093]FIG. 62 is a view showing a registration display image forregistering the information, interesting to the user, in the CanDINetcontrol unit 100;

[0094]FIG. 63 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating the priority condition and the layout in the printout;

[0095]FIG. 64 is a view showing a registration display image forentering name, contract address etc. by the advertisement provider;

[0096]FIG. 65 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating image data and text data for advertisement insertion;

[0097]FIG. 66 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating the starting date and effective term of the advertisementinsertion by the advertisement provider;

[0098]FIG. 67 is a view showing a registration display image forlimiting the area where the advertisement data are printed;

[0099]FIG. 68 is a view showing a registration display image for theadvertisement provider to select a printing size of the advertisementdata among the predetermined sizes and to select a condition forchanging the advertisement size;

[0100]FIG. 69 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating a full-page advertisement, a top-printed advertisement or aback-side advertisement;

[0101]FIG. 70 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating the limitation on the number of printing of theadvertisement insertion and the limitation on the advertisement fee;

[0102]FIG. 71 is a view showing a registration display image forentering name, contact address etc. of the information provider;

[0103]FIG. 72 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating image data or text data for information providing;

[0104]FIG. 73 is a view showing a preview display image indicating howthe image data are printed from the kiosk terminal;

[0105]FIG. 74 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating the starting date and effective term of the informationproviding by the information provider;

[0106]FIG. 75 is a view showing a registration display image for theinformation provider to designate the character size and image size inthe information data printout;

[0107]FIG. 76 is a view showing a registration display image fordesignating whether the insertion of advertisement is permitted on noton the same page at the printout of the information data and whether apassword is required for the printout of the information data;

[0108]FIG. 77 is a view showing a registration display image for feesetting;

[0109]FIG. 78 is a view showing a registration display image for theinformation provider to register the information to be provided with theinformation data;

[0110]FIG. 79 is a view showing different kinds of layout;

[0111]FIG. 80 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in an advertisement area securing process;

[0112]FIGS. 81 and 82 are flow charts showing the control sequence ofthe CanDINet control unit 100 in displaying a registration frame image;

[0113]FIG. 83 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in an advertisement area determining processon the front surface;

[0114]FIG. 84 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in an advertisement area determining processon the back surface; and

[0115]FIG. 85 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of theCanDINet control unit 100 in an advertisement area determining processon a separate sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0116] [First Embodiment]

[0117]FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of the informationproviding method, apparatus and system of the present invention, whereina database/management unit 100 manages the information to be providedand the issued numbers of P-codes and controls the output layout. Theunit is hereinafter called CanDINet control unit.

[0118] An apparatus 110, hereinafter called “kiosk terminal”, is placedin a location accessible to unspecified plural users such as salesstalls in railroad stations or convenience stores, for the purpose ofinformation input/output and P-code input.

[0119] The kiosk terminal 110 is composed of a user interface or a codeinput device (P-code input device 111) for entering P-code, aninformation input device 112 for registering/inputting information fromthe terminal, a P-code information output device 113 capable ofhigh-quality two-side printout, and a device for fee settling andpersonal verification such as a fee setting device 114 for receiving thefee inserted by the user and a personal verifying device 115.

[0120] A mobile terminal device 120 can be used by the user forobtaining the P-code required for information output. The user with nopersonal computer can use this terminal for finding the desiredinformation, and can obtain the high-quality output by entering theP-code corresponding to the found information into the kiosk terminal110.

[0121] An information provider (IP) 130 generates data for providingvarious information. Such providers can be divided into those sealingwith the advertisements found in the ordinary home pages of theinternet, and those providing the added value information such as hoserace forecast. Such provider registers, in the CanDINet control unit100, the data corresponding to the information to be provided whereby aP-code is assigned to the provided information. The user searches theinformation on the information terminal and enters the P-code,corresponding to the information, into the kiosk terminal 100 wherebythe information can be outputted (printed).

[0122] In this process, an advertisement is printed in a space area oron the back surface of the sheet, together with the output information,whereby the print fee to be charged to the user can be alleviated.

[0123] An information medium 121 such as internet, a newspaper or amagazine also provides the P-code in addition to the informationterminal 120. The user, acquiring the P-code therefrom, can enter suchP-code into the kiosk terminal 110 at the convenience store or the likethereby obtaining (printing) the desired information in a simple manner.

[0124] A device 115 executes personal verification whether the user isallowed to obtain the output of the specified information by the inputof the P-code. A device 114 executes charge setting process for theinformation output by the user. This device may be linked with a POSsystem 114 in the convenience store or the like.

[0125] The above-described system can provide the information providingservice of, for example, following four kinds:

[0126] 1) Information service: This is a basic service of the presentsystem, wherein the user can print the information provided by theinformation provider 130, by acquiring the P-code from the terminal 120or another information medium 121 and entering such P-code into thekiosk terminal 110 as explained in the foregoing. The fee forinformation output is variable according to various conditions such aspresence/absence of advertisement, back-side printing,color/monochromatic printing etc.;

[0127] 2) Mail print service: In case the user wishes to print thecontent of an electronic mail sent to the mobile terminal or the userwithout the mobile terminal wishes to read an electronic mail outsidehis office, this service allows the user to print the content (mailinformation) of the electronic mail by entering the P-code. Also in thisservice, the fee for information output is variable according to variousconditions such as presence/absence of advertisement, back-sideprinting, color/monochromatic printing etc.;

[0128] 3) Personal information service: This service allows the user notonly to acquire the individual information by the P-code associatedthereto but also to acquire, by a P-code specific to the user, anintegrated information selected according to the desire of the user.This service includes, for example, “my sports newspaper” consisting ofnews articles of a specified baseball team, outputted every morning at aconvenience store. In order to receive such service, the user has toobtain a personal membership and the issuance of a P-code specific tothe user (called personal P-code). In entering such personal P-code, itis necessary to enter a password or the like into the personalverification device 115. The fee for information output is variableaccording to various conditions such as presence/absence ofadvertisement, back-side printing, color/monochromatic printing etc.;and

[0129] 4) Data delivery service: This service allows the user totemporarily deposit information (data), just like depositing a car in acoin-operated car park, and to extract the data afterwards. Theinformation can be deposited either by entering the information throughthe information input device 112 (for example a scanner) of the kioskterminal 110 (case A) or by transferring the desired information to theCanDINet control unit 100 through the internet (case B).

[0130] At the input (case A) or transfer (case B) of the information, apersonal P-code is issued, and the information can be outputted at anydesired location by entering such P-code in the kiosk terminal 110. Thefee for information output is variable according to various conditionssuch as presence/absence of advertisement, back-side printing,color/monochromatic printing etc.

[0131]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of thekiosk terminal 110 and the CanDINet control unit 100 in the presentembodiment. They may be composed of a single equipment or a systemconsisting of plural equipment, as long as the functions of the presentinvention can be attained. More specifically, the kiosk terminal 110 andthe CanDINet control unit 100 may be composed of a single equipment, orof a system connected through a network such as LAN or WAN constructedby optical cables or public communication lines. Further, in suchsystem, the CanDINet control unit 100 may naturally be present in pluralunits, for example in respective areas or in respective countries. Suchconfiguration is adopted in the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, theinformation provider 130 is connected to the kiosk terminal 110 and theCanDINet control unit 100 for example through the public lines.

[0132] (CanDINet Control Unit 100)

[0133] In FIG. 2, a CPU 201 processes a document containing graphics,image, characters, table etc. according to a program (corresponding tothe flow charts to be explained later) stored in a program ROM in a ROM203 or in an external memory 211 of a large capacity, and also manages adatabase stored in the external memory 211. The CanDINet control unit100 executes compression of the information and the advertisementinformation, generated by the document processing and the layoutprocess, into and conversion of such information into data of a scriptformat, and transfers the data to the kiosk terminal 110 according to aninformation output protocol.

[0134] Also if the information from the external information provider130 is compressed data or data of script format, the CanDINet controlunit 100 executes thawing of such compressed data or conversion of thescript format data into an image, for data editing.

[0135] The CPU 201 collectively controls devices connected to a systembus 204. In the program ROM of the ROM 203 or the external memory 211,there is stored an operating system (OS) which is the control programfor the CPU 201. Also a font ROM of the ROM 203 or the external memory211 stores font data to be used in the document processing mentionedabove. A data ROM of the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 storesvarious data to be used in the document processing mentioned above. ARAM 202 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 201.

[0136] A keyboard controller (KBC) 205 controls the inputs from akeyboard 209 and an unrepresented pointing device. A CRT controller(CRTC) 206 controls the display on a CRT display 210. These devices areto be used by the manager when required and are not directly related tothe present invention. A disk controller (DKC) 207 controls access tothe external memory 211 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD)storing a boot program, various application programs, font data, userfiles, editing files, a printer control command generation program(hereinafter called printer driver) etc. An interface controller 208 isconnected to the kiosk terminal 110 through the network and executes acommunication control process on the network.

[0137] The CPU 201 realizes WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) onthe CRT 201 by executing an outline font development (rasterization)onto a display information RAM in the RAM 202. Also the CPU 201 opensvarious registered windows and executes various data processings, basedon commands instructed by the user for example with an unrepresentedmouse cursor on the CRT 210. In response to an instruction for printingby the user, there is opened a window for setting for the printingoperation. On this window, the user can set the printing process for theprinter driver, such as printer setting or printing mode selection.

[0138] An information output device 250 of the kiosk terminal 110, aprinter CPU 212 outputs an image signal, constituting the outputinformation, to a printing unit (printing engine) 217 based on a controlprogram stored in a program ROM of a ROM 213 or in an external memory214. The program ROM of the ROM 213 also stores the control programs ofthe CPU 212, corresponding to the flow charts to be explained later. Afont ROM in the ROM 213 stores font data to be used in the generation ofthe above-mentioned output information.

[0139] An information input unit 218 is composed for example of an imagescanner (scanner unit) and an interface, and is connected with theCanDINet control unit 100 through a network or a public line. Thescanner unit reads an original and executes a digital signal process,thereby generating the image information of the original. This isutilized in the aforementioned in the data delivery service, intemporarily depositing the information from the terminal in the store.

[0140] The CPU 212 is rendered capable of communication with theCanDINet control unit 100 through the interface, thereby transmittingthe information of the printer to the CanDINet control unit 100. A RAM219 functions as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 212, and can beexpanded in capacity by an optional RAM to be connected to anunrepresented expansion port. The RAM 219 is utilized as an outputinformation developing area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAMetc. The aforementioned external memory 214 such as a hard disk or an ICcard is access controlled by a memory controller (MC) 220. The externalmemory 214 is connected as an option and is used for storing font data,emulation data, form data etc.

[0141] An operation unit 251 is provided with a display unit fordisplaying various images to be explained later, a touch panel providedon the display unit and/or separately positioned operation switches(buttons).

[0142] The aforementioned external memory 214 is not limited to one unitbut may be provided in plural units, storing optional fonts and aprogram for interpreting the printer control language of a differentlanguage system. Further, the external memory 214 may be provided withan unrepresented NVRAM for storing the printer mode setting informationentered from the operation unit 251.

[0143] (Configuration of Printer)

[0144]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a color output unit with ascanner and with two-side printing function, constituting an example ofthe printer of the information output apparatus 250 of the kioskterminal 110. Though not illustrated, there is naturally attached theinformation input device 218 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0145] In this printer, a laser beam modulated with the image data ofeach color, obtained from the print data entered from the host computer,scans a photosensitive drum 55 through a polygon mirror 31 therebyforming an electrostatic latent image. The latent image is developedwith toner to obtain a visible image, and the toner images of all thecolors are transferred in superposed manner onto an intermediatetransfer member 49 to obtain a visible color image. Such visible colorimage is further transferred onto a transfer material 42, and is fixedthereon. An image forming unit executing the above-described process iscomposed of a drum unit including the photosensitive drum 55, a sheetfeeding unit including a primary charging unit with a contact chargingroller 57, a cleaning unit, a developing unit, the intermediate transfermember 49, a sheet cassette 41 and rollers 43, 44, 45, 47, and atransfer/fixation unit 25 including a transfer roller 50.

[0146] The drum unit 53 is integrally composed of the photosensitivedrum (photosensitive member) 55 and a cleaner container 43 having acleaning mechanism, serving also as the holder for the photosensitivedrum 55. The drum unit 53 is detachably supported in the main body ofthe printer, and can be easily replaced, depending on the service lifeof the photosensitive drum 55. The photosensitive drum 55 is composed ofan aluminum cylinder, coated with an organic photoconductive layer onthe external periphery thereof, and is rotatably supported in thecleaner container 54. The photosensitive drum 55 is rotated by anunrepresented driving motor, counterclockwise according to the progressof the image forming operation. The surface of the photosensitive drum55 is selectively exposed to the laser beam, supplied from a scannerunit 30, thereby forming the electrostatic latent image. In the scannerunit 30, the modulated laser beam is reflected by the polygon mirrorrotated in synchronization with the horizontal sync signal of the imagesignal, thereby irradiating the photosensitive drum through a lens 32and a mirror 33.

[0147] For developing the electrostatic latent image into a visibleimage, the developing unit is provided with three color developing units20Y, 20M, 20C respectively for yellow, magenta and cyan development, anda black developing unit 21B for black color development. The colordeveloping units 20Y, 20M, 20C and the black developing unit 20B arerespectively provided with sleeves 20YS, 20MS, 20CS, 21BS and coatingblades 20YB, 20MB, 20CB, 21BB in pressure contact with the externalperiphery of these sleeves. Also the three color developing units 20Y,20M, 20C are further provided with coating rollers 20YR, 20MR, 20CR.

[0148] The black developing unit 21B is rendered detachably from themain body of the printer, and the color developing units 20Y, 20M, 20Care detachably mounted on a developing rotary 23 rotating about a rotaryshaft 22.

[0149] The sleeve 21BS of the black developing unit 21B is positionedwith a small gap of about 300 μm to the photosensitive drum 55. Theblack developing unit 21B conveys the toner by an incorporatingconveying member, and provides the toner with a triboelectric charge bythe coating blade 21BB so as to coat the external periphery of theclockwise rotating sleeve 21BS with the toner. A developing bias voltageis applied to the sleeve 21BS to effect development on thephotosensitive drum 55 according to the electrostatic latent image,thereby forming a visible image with the black toner on thephotosensitive drum 55.

[0150] The three color developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C rotate along withthe rotation of the developing rotary 23 whereby each of the sleeves20YS, 20MS, 20CS is opposed to the photosensitive drum 55 with a smallgap of about 300 μm thereto.

[0151] Thus predetermined one of the color developing units 20Y, 20M,20C stops at a developing position opposed to the photosensitive drum 55to form a visible image thereon.

[0152] At the formation of a color image, the developing rotary 23rotates at every turn of the intermediate transfer member 49 whereby thedeveloping process is executed in succession by the yellow, magenta andcyan developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C and the black developing unit 21B toform visible images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black colors insuccession during four turns of the intermediate transfer member 49,whereby by a full-color visible image is formed thereon.

[0153] The intermediate transfer member 49 is so constructed as torotate along the rotation of the photosensitive drum 55 in contacttherewith and rotates clockwise at the color image formation, therebyreceiving multiple of the visible image four times from thephotosensitive drum 55. Also at the image formation, a transfer roller50 to be explained later comes into contact with the intermediatetransfer member 49 for supporting the transfer material 42 therebetween,whereby the visible color image on the intermediate transfer member 49is collectively transferred simultaneously thereonto. Along the externalperiphery of the intermediate transfer member 49, there are provided atop sensor 49 a for detecting the rotational position thereof, an RSsensor 49 b and a density sensor 49 c for detecting the density of thetoner image formed on the intermediate transfer member.

[0154] A transfer roller 50 is provided with a transfer chargersupported so as to be capable of contacting to and separating from thephotosensitive drum 55, and is formed by winding a metal shaft with afoamed elastic member of an intermediate electric resistance.

[0155] The transfer roller 50 is separated downwards as indicated bysolid lines in FIG. 9 in order not to disturb the visible color imageduring the multiple transfers thereof onto the intermediate transfermember 49. After the formation of the visible color image on theintermediate transfer member 49, the transfer roller 50 is shiftedupwards as indicated by broken lines by a cam member (not shown) at thetiming of transfer of the visible color image onto the transfer material42. Thus the transfer roller 50 is pressed with a predetermined pressureto the intermediate transfer member 49 across the transfer material 42and is given a bias voltage, whereby the visible color image on theintermediate transfer member 49 is transferred onto the transfermaterial 42.

[0156] The fixing unit 25 is to fix the transferred visible color imageand is provided with a fixing roller 26 for heating the transfermaterial 42 and a pressure roller 27 for pressing the transfer material42 to the fixing roller 26. The fixing roller 26 and the pressure roller27 are hollow in structure and are respectively provided with heaters28, 29 therein.

[0157] The transfer material 42 bearing the visible color image isconveyed by the fixing roller 26 and the pressure roller 27 and issubjected to the application of heat and pressure whereby the toner isfixed to the surface.

[0158] After the fixation of the visible image, the transfer material 42is conveyed by discharge rollers 34, 35, 36 to a discharge unit 37whereupon the image forming operation is terminated.

[0159] The cleaning means is to remove the toner remaining on thephotosensitive drum 55 and the intermediate transfer member 49. The usedtoner remaining after the transfer of the visible image from thephotosensitive drum 55 onto the intermediate transfer member 49 and thatremaining after the transfer of the 4-color visible images from theintermediate transfer member 49 to the transfer material 42 are storedin a cleaner container 54.

[0160] The transfer material 42 for printing (recording sheet) is takenout from a sheet feeding tray 41 by a sheet feeding roller 43, thenconveyed by pinching between the intermediate transfer member 49 and thetransfer roller 50 for image recording, and is passed by the fixing unit25 for fixing the toner image. In case of one-side printing, a guide 35forms a conveying path for guiding the recording sheet to the upperdischarge unit, but, in case of two-side printing, the guide 35 forms aconveying path for guiding the recording sheet to a two-side unitpositioned below.

[0161] The recording sheet conveyed into the two-side unit is forwardedunder the tray 41 (path indicated by chain lines) by a conveying roller40, then conveyed in the opposite direction and fed to a two-side tray39. On the tray 39, the sheet is inverted from the state on the sheetfeeding tray 41, and the leading and trailing ends of the sheet areinverted with respect to the conveying direction. In this state thesheet is subjected again to the transfer and fixation of the toner imagewhereby two-side printing can be realized.

[0162] The printer is not limited to the electrophotographic printer ofthe above-described type but can be an electrophotographic printer of4-drum type, a thermal transfer printer, so-called bubble jet printeremitting liquid droplets by film boiling based on thermal energy, or anink jet printer of piezo type.

[0163]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an ink jet printer capable offeeding unrepresented recording sheets of plural types. In FIG. 4, acarriage 450 engaging by an unrepresented pin thereof with a spiralgroove 404 of a lead screw 405, which is rotated in forward or reversedirection by the rotation of a driving motor 413 through transmissiongears 411, 409, executes reciprocating motion in directions a and b. Thecarriage 450 supports an ink jet cartridge 451.

[0164] A paper pressing plate 402 presses the recording sheet to aplaten 400 along the moving direction of the carriage. Photocouplers407, 408 constitute home position detecting means for detecting thepresence of a lever 406 of the carriage in the corresponding area,thereby switching the rotating direction of the motor 413.

[0165] A member 416 supports a cap member 422 for capping the front faceof the recording head. Suction means 415 for sucking the interior of thecap executes suction recovery of the recording head through an aperture423 in the cap.

[0166] A supporting plate 418 supports a cleaning blade 417 and a member419 for moving the cleaning blade forward and backward. The blade is notlimited to the illustrated form but may naturally assume any known form.A lever 421 for initiating the suction recovery operation is moved bythe movement of a cam 420 engaging with the carriage, whereupon thedriving force from the driving motor is controlled by known transmissionmeans such as a clutch.

[0167] The capping, cleaning and suction recovery are executed atrespective positions of the carriage by the function of the lead screw405 when the carriage reaches an area of the side of the home position,but any configuration may be applied to the present embodiment as longas the desired operation is executed at the known timing.

[0168] In the present invention, plural equipment (for example a hostcomputer, an interface equipment, a reader, a printer etc.) may beintegrally constructed.

[0169] The objects of the present invention can naturally be attainedalso in a case where the program codes of a software realizing thefunctions of the embodiments or a memory medium storing such program issupplied to a system or an apparatus and such program codes are read andexecuted by a computer (CPU or MPU) of the above-mentioned system orapparatus.

[0170] In such case the program codes themselves of the software realizethe novel functions of the aforementioned embodiment, and the memorymedium storing the program codes and the program itself constitute thepresent invention. The memory medium storing such program codes can be,for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, amagnetooptical disk, a CD-ROM, a CR-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, anon-volatile memory card or a ROM.

[0171] The present invention also includes not only a case where thefunctions of the aforementioned embodiment are realized by the executionof the program codes read by the computer but also a case where anoperating system or the like functioning on the computer executes all ora part of the actual processes under the control of such program codesthereby realizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiment. Thepresent invention further includes a case wherein the program codes readfrom the memory medium are once stored in a function expansion boardinserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to thecomputer, and a CPU provided in the function expansion board or thefunction expansion unit executes all the process or a part thereof underthe control of such program codes, thereby realizing the functions ofthe aforementioned embodiment.

[0172] (P-code of Information Provider)

[0173] In the present embodiment, in case the information provider 130wishes to provide information, the provider applies for registration tothe CanDINet control unit 100 and issuance of a P-code. In this process,the information provider 130 makes access to the CanDINet control unit100 and enters information necessary for registration in registrationdisplay images shown in FIGS. 71 to 78.

[0174] At first, in a registration display image shown in FIG. 71, thereare entered name and contact address of the information provider 130.

[0175] In a registration display image shown in FIG. 72, the informationprovider 130 designates the image data or text data (hereinaftercollectively called information data) for providing information,whereupon there is displayed a preview image (FIG. 73) showing how theimage data are printed from the kiosk terminal 110. If the preview imageis acceptable, the information provider 130 depresses a “Transfer toserver” button, whereby the information data are transferred to theCanDINet control unit 100.

[0176] In a registration display image shown in FIG. 74, the informationprovider 130 designates the starting date and effective term ofinformation providing. When the effective term after the starting dateexpires, the information data are no longer printed out from the kioskterminal 110. Otherwise, even if the information data are requested tothe CanDINet control unit 100 from the kiosk terminal 110, theinformation data are no longer transferred to the kiosk terminal 110. Inthe registration image shown in FIG. 75, the information provider 130designates the character size and image size when the information dataare printed. The example shown in FIG. 75 indicates that the charactersize is variable from 8 to 14 pt. and the image can be reduced orenlarged within a range from 50 to 200% in the printing of theinformation data.

[0177] In the registration display image shown in FIG. 76, theinformation provider designates whether or not to permit printing of theadvertisement on the same paper at the printing of the information data,and whether a password is required for printing the information data.Also in case of permitting advertisement printing, there can bedesignated permission of printing on the back surface.

[0178] Also in case the information providing is to be charged, the feeis set in the registration display image shown in FIG. 77. Finally, inthe registration display image shown in FIG. 78, the informationprovider 130 registers the mode of information providing in the CanDINetcontrol unit 100. There are selected a genre and a sub genre, dependingon the content of the information data to be provided. Also there isentered a keyword for determining the kind of the advertisement, in casethe advertisement is inserted in the printout of the information data.

[0179] When the information provider 130 completes the registeringoperation on the registration display images shown in FIGS. 71 to 78,the CanDINet control unit 100 issues a P-code for the above-mentionedinformation data. Also, based on the information entered in theregistration display images, an IP information registration tableregarding such P-code is prepared and stored in a P-code DB (P-codedatabase).

[0180]FIG. 46 shows an example of the IP information registration table4601, which contains the P-code at the left end column, and stores thebasic property of the information data corresponding to the P-code. Theowner ID of the basic property is linked with an owner information tablefor the information providing having this P-code. FIG. 51 shows anexample of the owner information table, which stores the informationentered by the information provider 130 on the registration displayimage shown in FIG. 71.

[0181] (P-code of User)

[0182] In the present embodiment, when the user applies for registrationto the CanDINet control unit 100, it can issue a personal IP-code tosuch user (hereinafter called user P-code). The user P-code is used inthe mail print service, information registration service (data depositservice) and personal information service, which will be explained laterin more details.

[0183] The user makes access to the CanDINet control unit 100 from thekiosk terminal 110 or a personal computer at home, and entersinformation necessary for registration on the registration displayimages shown in FIGS. 58 to 63.

[0184] At first, in the registration display image shown in FIG. 58, theuser enters name and contact address. In the registration display imageshown in FIG. 59, there is entered a password necessary for changing thecontent of the user registration. The password is set at a newregistration, and the password entered at the new registration isentered if the content of registration is to be changed thereafter.

[0185] In the registration display image shown in FIG. 60, the userdesignates the service for which the P-code to be issued is to be used.In the registration display images shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, thepersonal information of the user is entered. Particularly in the imageshown in FIG. 62, the user can register the interesting information inthe CanDINet control unit 100.

[0186] Finally, on the registration display image shown in FIG. 63, theuser designates whether the printout of the information by the kioskterminal 110 is executed preferentially with legibility or page or witha default layout. In this display image there can also be designated thesize and direction of the sheet in the information printout. In thisdisplay image, there can also be designated whether the two-sideprinting is executed preferentially if the two-side printing is requiredfor printing the information or the advertisement.

[0187] When the user completes the registering operation on theregistration display images shown in FIGS. 58 to 63, the CanDINetcontrol unit 100 issues a P-code to the user. Also a user informationtable regarding such P-code is prepared and stored in the P-code DB(P-code database).

[0188]FIGS. 48A and 48B show an example of the user information table4801, which contains the P-code at the left end column, and also storesthe user property of the user having the P-code, a personal informationtable on such user, and information required when the P-code is used forthe mail service, information registration service (delivery service)and personal information service. The personal information table islinked with the personal information table on the user having theP-code. FIG. 50 shows an example of the personal information table 5001,which stores the information entered by the user on the registrationdisplay image shown in FIGS. 58 to 63.

[0189] (Process of Kiosk Terminal)

[0190] In the following there will be explained the process operationsof the kiosk terminal 110. FIG. 5 is a main flow chart showing theprocess sequence of the kiosk terminal 110 after the user starts usingthe kiosk terminal 110. At first, when the user stands in front of thekiosk terminal 110, the panel of the operation unit 251 displays aninitial display image shown in FIG. 23 (step S501), including threebuttons 2301, 2302, 2303 for selecting the input method for P-code and abutton to be used when the user wishes to utilize the informationregistration service. When the user depresses any of these buttons, thekiosk terminal 110 discriminates the depressed button (step S501). Ifthe button 2302 for “input from mobile telephone” is depressed (stepS501—telephone), there is displayed an image shown in FIG. 26. Inresponse the user enters the P-code from an information terminal 120such as a mobile telephone and depresses an “OK” button, whereupon thesequence proceeds to a step S508.

[0191] If the button 2303 for “input from handy scanner” is depressed(step S502—scanner), there is displayed an image shown in FIG. 27 (stepS505).

[0192] In response the user uses the scanner to read a code on a handyscanner code table, provided at a side of the kiosk terminal 110, andwhen the kiosk terminal 110 discriminates that the user has thendepressed an “OK” button (step S506—OK), the sequence shifts to a stepS512. As the handy scanner code table only contains the P-code for theinformation print service, there is immediately initiated the process ofthe information print service. If there is discriminated that the userhas depressed a “cancel” button (step S506—cancel), the sequence returnsto the step S501 for displaying the initial image.

[0193] If a “Press here for information registration service” button isdepressed on the initial image (step S501—data deposit), the sequenceshifts to the process of the information registration service (alsocalled data deposit service).

[0194] If an “Input by touch panel” button is depressed on the initialimage (step S502—touch panel, there is displayed a code input imageshown in FIG. 24. The display contains numeral keys for entering thecode and “OK”, “cancel”, “correction” and “code input” buttons, and thedepressed button is discriminated (step S502). If a numeral key isdepressed, a character or a number corresponding to the depressed key isdisplayed. If the “correction” key is depressed, the displayed code iscanceled.

[0195] If the “cancel” button is depressed (step S508—cancel), thesequence returns to the step S501 for displaying the initial image. Ifthe “code input” button is depressed (step S508—code input), thecurrently entered code is stored in the RAM 219, and the code inputimage is displayed anew for enabling the user to enter a next code (stepS507).

[0196] If the “OK” button is depressed (step S508—OK), the code enteredby the user and stored in the RAM 219 is transferred to the CanDINetcontrol unit 100 (step S509). The CanDINet control unit 100discriminates the service type from the received code and the kioskterminal receives the result of discrimination service type) (stepS510).

[0197] Then there is discriminated whether the received service type isthe information print service (also called information service) (stepS511). If not, there is executed another service process (step S513).

[0198] If the received service type is the information print service(step S511—Yes), there is executed the process of the informationservice (step S512), which will be explained later in more details.

[0199] When the process of each service is terminated at the step S512or S513, there is displayed an account setting image shown in FIG. 28(step S514) and a process for charge settling is executed (step S515).If the service charge becomes free in the course of the service process,the steps S514 and S515 are skipped and the main flow is terminated from{circle over (3)}.

[0200] In the following there will be explained the function of thekiosk terminal 110 in each service process and charge settling process.

[0201] (Information Service Process)

[0202]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the function of the kiosk terminal110 in providing the information service. At first it receives, withrespect tot he P-code transmitted in the step S509 in FIG. 5, theproperty data and preview image data of the information corresponding tothe P-code, from the CanDINet control unit. The property data includethe title (file name) of the information, charge, number of sheets inprinting etc.

[0203] Then, based on the acquired data, there is displayed a list imageshown in FIG. 29. The list image in FIG. 29 includes an information list2908 corresponding to the P-code entered by the user, print settingbuttons 2901, 2902 corresponding to the list items, an “advertisementsetting” button 2903, a “print preview display” button 2904, a “print”button 2905, a “return” button 2906 and a “cancel” button 2907.

[0204] The kiosk terminal 110 discriminates the button depressed by theuser (step S602). If the print setting button is depressed (stepS603—“color”, “monochrome”, “none”), there is memorized the depressedbutton among “color”, “monochrome” and “none”, and the display ischanged accordingly. The “color”, “monochrome” and “none” buttonsrespectively indicate whether the information corresponding to theP-code is printed in color, in monochrome or not printed. It is assumedthat “color” is selected for all the P-codes at the step S29.

[0205] If the “cancel” button is depressed (step S603—cancel), aninstruction for cancellation is transmitted to the CanDINet control unitand the sequence returns to the step S501 in FIG. 5.

[0206] If the “print preview display” button is depressed (stepS603—preview), a preview image shown in FIG. 30 is displayed, based onthe preview image data received in the step S601. The preview imageincludes a preview image 3001 schematically showing the information tobe printed, a “next page” button for displaying the preview image of thenext page, a “previous page” button for displaying the preview image ofthe previous page, and a “return to main image” button for returning tothe above-mentioned list image. The kiosk terminal 110 discriminates thebutton depressed in the preview image (step S610).

[0207] If the “next page” or “previous page” button is depressed (stepS610—No), there is displayed the preview image of the next or precedingpage. If the “return to main image” button is depressed (step S610—Yes),there is displayed the list image shown in FIG. 29 and the sequencereturns to the step S603.

[0208] In the foregoing description, the step S605 displays the previewimage received in the step S601, but there may be displayed a previewimage in consideration of the output format of the advertisementselected by the user in the “advertisement setting” to be explained inthe following. In such case, the output format of the advertisement,currently selected by the user, is transferred to the CanDINet controlunit, thereby causing the CanDINet control unit to prepare the previewimage data with the advertisement. Then such image data are received todisplay the preview image with advertisement.

[0209] If the “advertisement setting” button is depressed in the listimage shown in FIG. 29 (step S603—advertisement setting), there isdisplayed an “advertisement setting” image as shown in FIG. 31 (stepS604), and there is executed a process for print charge settling (stepS609).

[0210] (Print Charge Process)

[0211] In the print service, the user pays a print charge, including theservice charge, at the printing of the information provided by theinformation provider 130. However, if an advertisement is inserted inthe print, a part of the print charge is borne by the advertisement, sothat the print charge is reduced. The amount of reduction of the printcharge varies according to the mode of insertion of the advertisementand the amount thereof.

[0212] Consequently, in the “advertisement print” image shown in FIG.31, the user can select the output format of the advertisement inconsideration of the reduction of the print charge. The “advertisementprint” image includes “yes”, “no” buttons 3101 for selecting whether ornot to print the advertisement in an empty space of the information,“yes”, “no” buttons 3102 for selecting whether or not to print theadvertisement on the back surface, “yes”, “no” buttons 3103 forselecting whether or not to print the advertisement on another page, an“OK” button and a “cancel” button.

[0213]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the function of the kiosk terminal110 in the print charge process. At first there is discriminated thebutton depressed on the “advertisement print” image (step S701). If“yes” or “no” button is depressed (step S701—yes, no), there ismemorized the selected output format, and the display is so changed thatthe depressed one of “yes” and “no” buttons is made clear to the user.

[0214] If the “cancel” button is depressed (step S701—cancel), theprocess is terminated without the advertisement setting. If the “OK”button is depressed, the output format of the advertisement istransmitted to the CanDINet control unit (step S703) and there isreceived a print charge in consideration of the output format of theadvertisement.

[0215] In case the advertisement is not inserted, the CanDINet controlunit 100 calculates the print charge, based on the charge entered by theinformation provider on the registration display image shown in FIG. 77and stored in the information price column of the IP informationregistration table shown in FIG. 46. In this operation, the print chargeis calculated in consideration of the fee for monochromatic or colorprinting and the fee for the print sheet, according to the print settingshown in FIG. 29.

[0216] In case the advertisement is inserted, the CanDINet control unit100, after the above-mentioned calculation of the print charge,subtracts the charge discount for advertisement insertion from thuscalculated print charge, thereby obtaining the print charge anew. Thecharge discount varies according to the amount of advertisementinsertion and whether the advertisement is printed on the front or backsurface.

[0217] However, if the charge after deduction of the discount chargefrom the normal print charge becomes negative, the print charge is setat zero or at a predetermined value.

[0218] Upon completion of the print charge process, the list image isdisplayed with a suitably changed print charge in the column 2903, andthe sequence returns to a step S603 in FIG. 6.

[0219] (Printing Process)

[0220] If the “print” button is depressed in the list image shown inFIG. 29 (step S603—printing, in FIG. 6), there is discriminated whetherthe printing is currently charged or free. The print charge iscalculated from the charge for the information corresponding to theP-code received in the step S601, the print charge in consideration ofthe advertisement received in the step S704.

[0221] If the printing is to be charged, the information service processis terminated and the sequence shifts to a step S513 in FIG. 5. If theprinting is free of charge, the printing process is executed immediately(step S612) and the main flow is terminated from {circle over (3)} inFIG. 5.

[0222]FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the function of the kiosk terminal110 in the printing process. At first a request for the print data isgiven to the CanDINet control unit (step S801). In this operation, thekiosk terminal 110 requests the print data for the P-code selected forprinting on the list image in FIG. 29. It also informs the CanDINetcontrol unit whether the printing is in color or in monochrome, therebyreceiving the print data for color or monochromatic printing from theCanDINet control unit. Also the output format of the advertisement,selected in the print charge process, is informed to the CanDINetcontrol unit.

[0223] Then the print data are received from the CanDINet control unit(step S802), and transferred to the printer (print unit 17) for startingthe printing operation.

[0224] Then there is discriminated whether the printing operation hasbeen completed (step S804), and, if not (step S804—No), there isdisplayed an image indicating that the printing operation is inprogress, but, if completed (step S804—Yes), there is displayed an imageindicating that the printing operation is over.

[0225] (Other Service Processes)

[0226] In the foregoing there have been explained the operations of thekiosk terminal 110 in the information print service. In the followingthere will be explained the information registration service (datadeposit service), personal information service and mail print service.

[0227] (Information Registration Service (Data Deposit Service))

[0228] If the button “Press here for information registration service”2304 is depressed in the initial image of the kiosk terminal 110 shownin FIG. 23 (step S502—data deposit in FIG. 5), there is executed aprocess for the information registration service (step S503).

[0229]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the function of the kiosk terminal110 in providing the information registration service. The user has toregister his telephone number for identification. Therefore, there is atfirst displayed a telephone number input image 3801 as shown in FIG. 38(step S1401). When the “OK” button is depressed by the user on thisimage, the entered telephone number is transmitted to the CanDINetcontrol unit (step S1402).

[0230] In response, based on the telephone number, the CanDINet controlunit discriminates whether the user is already registered, namelywhether the user already has a P-code. If the user already has theP-code, the CanDINet control unit has a user information table for theP-code as shown by 4801 in FIGS. 48A and 48B.

[0231] Thus the CanDINet control unit specifies the type of the user(whether the user has the P-code) from the entered telephone number andtransmits such type to the kiosk terminal 110. The kiosk terminal 110thus receives the transmitted user type (step S1403) and discriminateswhether the user is a P-code holder (step S1404).

[0232] If the user is not a P-code holder (step S1404—No), the sequenceimmediately shift to a step S1408, but, if the user is a P-code holder(step S1404—Yes), there is displayed a password input image 3802 shownin FIG. 38 for causing the user to enter a password. Then the passwordis transferred to the CanDINet control unit (step S1406), which inresponse executes identification of the user. If the CanDINet controlunit informs that the password is correct (step S1407—Y), the sequenceproceeds to a step S1408. If it is informed that the password is notcorrect (step S1407—N), the sequence returns to the step S1405 for thepassword reentry by the user.

[0233] A step S1408 displays an image for the information registeringmethod (data depositing method).

[0234] The information can be registered either by scanning the imagewith a scanner, or by information input from an external equipment. Inthe former case, the user uses the scanner to scan a paper medium suchas a notebook or a book. In the latter, the user enters the informationinto the kiosk terminal 110 from a notebook computer or a mobileterminal through a cable or by a wireless channel.

[0235] Therefore the information registering method image shown in FIG.39 has a “scanner” button 3901 and an “external equipment” button 3902,and there is discriminated the depressed button (step S1409).

[0236] If the “scanner” button 3901 is depressed (step S1409—Yes), thereis executed a scanner process (step S1410). FIG. 15 is a flow chartshowing the function of the kiosk terminal 110 in the scanner process.When the user selects the use of the scanner, there is at firstdisplayed a scanner input designating image as shown in FIG. 40 (stepS1501).

[0237] When the user sets the original and depresses the “OK” button4001 in the scanner input designating image (step S1502—Yes), thescanner is caused to execute a scanning operation (step S1503). Thenthere is discriminated whether the original reading is successful (stepS1504).

[0238] If not successful (step S1504—N), the sequence returns to thestep S1501 for repeating the original reading. If successful (stepS1504—Y), there is displayed a preview image of the read image data(step S1505). FIG. 41 shows an example of the preview image, whichincludes a preview image 4101, a “next” button 4102, a “register otherdata” button 4103, and a “cancel registration” button 4104. Then thereis discriminated the depressed button (step S1506).

[0239] If the “register other data” button 4102 is depressed (stepS1506—Yes), the image data read in the step S1503 are stored in the RAM19 or the external memory 14 (step S1507). Then the scanner inputdesignating image shown in FIG. 40 is displayed again (step S1510),and,. when the “OK” button therein is depressed (step S1511), thesequence returns to the step S1503.

[0240] If the “next” button is depressed on the preview image shown inFIG. 41 (step S1506—No, step S1508—Yes), the finally read image data arestored in the RAM 19 or the external memory 14 (step S1509) and thesequence is terminated. If the “cancel registration” button is depressedon the preview image shown in FIG. 41 (step S1506—No, step S1508—No),the image data stored in the step S1507 or S1509 are invalidated (orerased), and the sequence returns to the step S1401.

[0241] If the “external equipment” button 3902 is depressed on theinformation registration method image shown in FIG. 39 (step S1409—No),there is executed a process similar to the scanner process (step S1411).The details of the step S1411 will not be explained.

[0242] After the process of the steps S1410 and S1411, there isdisplayed a password setting image shown in FIG. 42. This password hasto be entered in case the information registered in this service isprinted by the user or by another person.

[0243] Then there is displayed an effective term input image as shown inFIG. 43 (step S1602), and the term of registration of the information isselected by the user. In the effective term input image shown in FIG.43, the user can select “until tomorrow”, “1 week” or “1 month”, and thekiosk terminal 110 memorizes the selected term.

[0244] Subsequently, the entered image data, type thereof, page numberthereof, password and effective term are transferred to the CanDINetcontrol unit, which in response issues a P-code for the registeredinformation. Then there are received the P-code and the registrationcharge transmitted from the CanDINet control unit (stp S1604).

[0245] Finally, there are displayed, as shown in FIG. 44, the P-code,password, data amount, effective term and registration charge for thedeposited image data. In the example shown in FIG. 44, the registeredimage data can be printed out in the information print service, bydesignating the P-code “09027648234#4”. The P-code is effective for oneweek, and the registered image data can no longer be printed by thisP-code. The sequence is terminated upon depression of the “OK” button4401 by the user.

[0246] (Personal Information Service)

[0247] If the step S511 in FIG. 5 identifies that the service type isother than the information print service (step S511—No), there areexecuted other service processes (step S512). FIG. 11 is a flow chartshowing the function of the kiosk terminal 110 in such another serviceprocess. In the present embodiment, other services include the mailprint service and the personal information service, so that there isdiscriminated whether the service type is the mail print service or thepersonal information service.

[0248] If the service type is the personal information service (stepS1101—personal information service), there is executed a process for thepersonal information service (step S1103).

[0249] More specifically, the discrimination whether the service type isthe personal information service is executed in the following manner.When the entered P-code is transmitted to the CanDINet control unit 100in the step S509 in FIG. 5, the CanDINet control unit 100 discriminatesif the entered P-code is “<telephone number>##” or “<telephonenumber>##<number>”. If so, the service type is identified as thepersonal information service and such service type is returned to thekiosk terminal. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the function of thekiosk terminal 100 in providing the personal information service.

[0250] At first there is displayed a password input image 3802 shown inFIG. 38 (step S1201) for requesting the user to enter the password. Uponconfirmation of the password entry by the user, the entered password istransferred to the CanDINet control unit (step S1202). In response, theCanDINet control unit searches, based on the P-code transmitted from thekiosk terminal 110 in the step S509 in FIG. 5, the user informationtable corresponding to the P-code. Then the value stored in the passwordcolumn of the personal information table linked with such userinformation table is compared with the received password, and, if bothcoincide, the result is transmitted to the kiosk terminal 110.

[0251] The kiosk terminal 110 receives the response from the CanDINetcontrol unit (step S1203), and discriminates whether the responseindicates that the password is correct (step S1204). If the password isnot correct (step S1204—N), the sequence returns to the step S1201 forthe reentry of the password by the user. If the password is correct,there is displayed a registration frame image as shown in FIG. 34 (stepS1205).

[0252] By registering one or plural P-codes in the registration frame,the user can easily obtain the printout of one or plural informationdata registered for the registration frame, by simply entering theP-code (called personal P-code in this case) corresponding to theregistration frame into the kiosk terminal.

[0253] For example, in the registration frame “Yesterday's sumowrestling/pro baseball” shown in FIG. 34, the user can obtained apersonal print containing the information on the sumo wrestling and probaseball by registering plural P-codes such as those related to the sumowrestling and those related to the pro baseball in this registrationframe.

[0254] A personal P-code is issued for each registration frame, and thepersonal P-code in this case is given by “<user P-code>##<framenumber>”. As an example, if the user P-code entered in the step S507 inFIG. 5 is “24535”, the personal P-code for the first registration frameshown in FIG. 34 is “24535##1”.

[0255] When the user selects the personal information service in theregistration image shown in FIG. 60, the personal P-code is registeredin the “personal P-code service information” column of the userinformation table shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B, and the personal P-codetable is prepared as shown in FIG. 49. Since this is the firstregistration frame, the personal P-code becomes “<user P-code>##1”.There can be prepared plural registration frames, and the personalP-code for the second registration frame becomes “<user P-code>##2”. Inthe present embodiment, the user P-code is assumed to be the telephonenumber of the user. The P-code registered for the registration frame isstored in the “P-code list” shown in FIG. 49.

[0256] The information corresponding to the P-code registered for theregistration frame may be fixed information, but is generally variablein time, such as “stock market final price” or “tomorrow's weatherforecast”.

[0257] Stated differently, the information data corresponding to theP-code stored in the “P-code list” shown in FIG. 49 can be renewed intime. Also the P-code stored in the “P-code list” can be the personalP-code (this personal P-code being referred to as B, while the originalpersonal P-code being referred to as A), and, in such case, among thepersonal P-codes registered as B, the one with the latest informationdata can be made the personal P-code registered as A.

[0258]FIGS. 81 and 82 are flow charts showing the function of theCanDINet control unit 100 in displaying the registration frame image inthe step S1205. At first, from the P-code entered in the kiosk terminal110, there is extracted a part of the user P-code (telephone number)(step S8101). Then the user information table shown in FIGS. 48A and 48Bis searched with the user P-code, whereby the information on such userp-code is acquired (step S8102). If the user receives the personalinformation service, the personal P-code is issued to such user and isstored in the user information table (personal P-code serviceinformation).

[0259] Then there is discriminated whether the P-code entered by thekiosk terminal 110 is terminated by “##” (step S8104), and, if not,namely if the personal P-code is directly entered, there is executed aflow chart shown in FIG. 82. If it is terminated by “##”, there isexecuted a process of steps S8105 to S8110 in order to acquireinformation on all the P-codes issued to this user.

[0260] In case the P-code is terminated with “##”, the personal P-codesare acquired one by one from the list thereof contained in theaforementioned personal P-code service information (step S8105). Thenthe P-code table for the personal P-code service is searched with thusobtained personal P-codes to acquire the information relating thereto(step S8106).

[0261] If the P-code is registered in the registration frame, suchregistered P-code is stored in the P-code table for the personal P-codeservice (registered P-code information). Therefore, the P-codes areacquired one by one from the P-code list contained in the registeredP-code information (step S8107).

[0262] Then the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 46 issearched with thus acquired P-codes to obtain information relatingthereto (step S8108). The information thus acquires includes, forexample, the title of the P-code.

[0263] In acquiring the information relating to the P-code, there ischecked an identifier portion of the IP information registration table.At first there is discriminated whether a “link” column stores theP-code of a linked object. If the P-code is stored, the linked object ofthe P-code has tangible information (such as information data to beprinted), so that the IP information registration table shown in FIG. 46is reconstructed with thus linked P-code in order to acquire theinformation relating to such P-code.

[0264] In case the “link” column does not store the P-code of the linkedobject, there is then discriminated whether a sub-code is present, bychecking the value stored in “flag for sub-code” column. The sub-code,if present, is frame information.

[0265] The frame information is equivalent to the registration framedescribed above, but is different in that it is provided by theinformation provider. Stated differently, in case the informationprovider wishes to provide plural information (for which P-codes arerespectively issued) under a P-code, there is prepared frameinformation. For example, the history of information data varying intime is managed by the sub-code, in such a manner that the access to thehistory can be made with a single P-code.

[0266] It is assumed that the largest sub-code indicates the latestinformation, and, if the sub-code is identified present, the IPinformation registration table is searched again with the largest one ofthe P-codes stored in the “sub-code” area, whereby the information onsuch P-code is acquired.

[0267] Then there is discriminated whether the P-code acquired in thestep S8107 is the last one in the registered P-code information (stepS8109), and, if not, the sequence returns to the step S8107 foracquiring the information on the next P-code.

[0268] If it is the last one, there is discriminated whether thepersonal P-code acquired in the step S8105 is the last one in thepersonal P-code service information (step S8110), and, if it is not thelast one, the sequence returns to the step S8105 for acquiring theinformation on the next personal P-code, but, if it the last one, thesequence proceeds to a step S8111.

[0269] On the other hand, if the step S8104 identifies that the P-codeis not terminated with “##”, the P-code table for the personal P-codeservice in FIG. 49 is searched with the entered personal P-code toacquire the information on such personal P-code (step S8112).

[0270] Then the P-codes are acquired one by one from the P-code list inthe registered P-code information (step S8113), and the IP informationregistration table is searched with such P-codes to acquire theinformation thereon (step S8114). The acquired information is similar tothat in the step S8108.

[0271] Finally, there is discriminated whether the P-code acquired inthe S8113 is the last one in the registered P-code information (stepS8115). If not, the sequence returns to the step S8113 for acquiring theinformation on the next P-code, but, if it is the last one, the sequenceproceeds to the step S8111.

[0272] A step S8111 transmits the information acquired in the stepS8106, S8108, S8112 or S8114 to the kiosk terminal 110. Such informationincludes the title of the personal P-code (registration frame) and thetitle of each registered P-code. Based on this information, the kioskterminal 110 generates the display image shown in FIG. 34 or 36.

[0273] The registration frame image in FIG. 34 includes a list 3411 ofthe registration frames currently prepared by the user, an “informationregistration/change” button 3406, a “print preview” button 3407, a“print” button 3408 and “yes”, “no” buttons.

[0274] The kiosk terminal 110 discriminates the button depressed in theregistration frame image (step S1206). If the “yes” or “no” button isdepressed (step S1206—yes/no), there is accordingly changed a flagindicating whether or not to print each registration frame, and thedisplay image is also accordingly changed.

[0275] If the “information registration/change” button is depressed(step S1206—registration change), there is executed a process ofchanging the registration (step S1207). FIG. 13 is a flow chart showingthe function of the kiosk terminal 110 in case of the process forregistration change. At first, the kiosk terminal 110 displays aregistration changing image as shown in FIG. 35. The image includesnumeral keys for designating the registration of a new frame, an “OK”button 3502, and a “new frame registration” button 3501 for instructingthe registration of a new frame, and the kiosk terminal 110discriminates the depressed button (step S1302).

[0276] If the “new frame registration” button 3501 is depressed (stepS1302—registration), a new frame is prepared (step S1303) and is listedon the registration frame image shown in FIG. 34.

[0277] If the numeral keys are depressed followed by the depression ofthe “OK” button 3502 (step S1302—change), the entered frame number isspecified (step, S1304), and the content of the registration framecorresponding to such frame number is displayed as shown in FIG. 36(step S1305). This display includes a list 3640 of the P-codesregistered in the registration frame, a “add new P-code” button, “yes”,“no” buttons for designating whether or not to register each P-code, an“OK” button and a “return” button.

[0278] The kiosk terminal 110 discriminates whether any of these buttonshas been depressed on this image (step S1306). If the “yes” or “no”button is depressed (step S1306—yes, no), there is changed a flagindicating whether or not to register each P-code, and the display imageis accordingly changed (step S1307).

[0279] In case there is selected not to register a P-code, suchselection is transmitted from the kiosk terminal 110 to the CanDINetcontrol unit 100, which in response deletes such P-code from the P-codelist of the registered P-code information shown in FIG. 49.

[0280] If the “add new P-code” button 3606 is depressed (step S1306—newcode), the code input image is displayed for causing the user to enter aP-code. Then the entered P-code is transferred to the CanDINet controlunit 100, whereby the content of the information data corresponding tothe P-code is received. Then the newly registered P-code is listed onthe image shown in FIG. 36 (step S1312), and the sequence returns to thestep S1306.

[0281] If the “return” button is depressed on the image shown in FIG. 36(step S1306—other; step S1308—return), the sequence returns to the stepS1304, but, if the “OK” button is depressed (step S1306—other, stepS1308—OK), the present process is terminated.

[0282] If the “print preview” button 3407 is depressed in theregistration frame image shown in FIG. 34 (step S1206—preview), theinformation data corresponding to the P-code registered in theregistration frame are received, and the preview image is displayed,based on such data. Otherwise there are received preview dataschematically representing the above-mentioned data and the previewimage may be displayed based on such schematic preview data. Also inthis step, there may be displayed an image as shown in FIG. 37, forenabling the selection of the sheet size or the sheet direction. Whenthe “OK” button is depressed on the preview image, the sequence returnsto the step S1205.

[0283] Finally, when the “print” button is depressed on the registrationframe image shown in FIG. 34 (step S1206), there is executed the printcharge process (step S1210). The print charge process is as shown inFIG. 7. In the present embodiment, the advertisement is assumed to beprinted with the predetermined output format in case of the personalinformation service. However, it is also possible, as in the informationprint service, to form an “advertisement setting” button in theregistration frame image shown in FIG. 34, and to provide a processsimilar to that of the step S604 and S609 in FIG. 6, after the stepS1206.

[0284] After the print charge process, there is discriminated whetherthe printing is charged or not (step S1211). If it is free of charge(step S1211—N), there is immediately executed the printing process (stepS1213), but, if it is charged (step S1211—Y), the present process isterminated without executing the printing.

[0285] (Mail Print Service)

[0286] In case the step S1101 in FIG. 11 identifies that the servicetype is the mail print service (step S1101—mail print service), there isexecuted a process for the mail print service (step S1102).

[0287] The process of the mail print service is similar to that of theinformation service shown in FIG. 6, except that the step S602 in FIG. 6receives the property data and preview image data of the mail insteadthe property data and preview image data of the information, from theCanDINet control unit 100.

[0288] Also the step S602 display a mailbox image shown in FIG. 32,instead of the image shown in FIG. 29. The mailbox image in FIG. 32includes a mail list 3211 addressed to the user, print setting buttons3204, 3205, 3206 for the respective items, an “option” button 3207, a“print preview display” button 3207, a “print” button 3208, a “return”button 3209 and a “cancel” button 3210. The difference from theinformation service process lies in a fact that, when the “option”button is depressed, an image shown in FIG. 33 is displayed to allow theuser to select the method of mail printout. As the mails are principallytransmitted by text data, plural mails can be collectively printed on asheet, and the user can execute selection as shown in FIG. 33.

[0289] In the present embodiment, the advertisement is assumed to beprinted with the predetermined output format in case of the mail printservice. It is also possible, however, as in the case of informationprint service, to provide the “advertisement setting” button in themailbox image shown in FIG. 32 and to provide a process similar to thesteps S604 and S609 in FIG. 6.

[0290] (Charge Settling Process)

[0291] Each service process is terminated in the step S512 in FIG. 5 butthe printing process is not executed in such service process, there isdisplayed e charge settling image as shown in FIG. 28 (step S514) and acharge settling process is executed (step S515).

[0292] The charge settling image shown in FIG. 28 includes a “cashpayment” button 2801, a “credit card” button 2802, an “on-linesettlement” button 2803, a “debit card” button 2804, a “prepaid card”button 2805 etc. for enabling the user to select a desired method amongplural settling methods.

[0293]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the function of the kiosk terminal110 in the charge settlement process. After the display of the chargesettling image, there is discriminated the button depressed by the user(step S902). If the “cancel” button is depressed (step S902—cancel), aninstruction for cancellation is given to the CanDINet control unit 100and the sequence returns to the step S501 in FIG. 5.

[0294] If the “on-line settlement” button 2803 is depressed (stepS902—online process), there is displayed an image for entering the nameand the password (step S909), and the entered information is transferredto the CanDINet control unit 100 (step S910) for executing apredetermined on-line process.

[0295] If the “debit card” or “credit card” button is depressed (stepS902—debit/credit card), there is at first read the card information(step S904). Then there is discriminated whether card reading issuccessful (step S905), and, if not (step S905—N), the sequence returnsto the step S904.

[0296] If successful (step S905—Y), the on-line process is requested tothe CanDINet control unit 100 based on the card information (step S907),and the result of the on-line process is received (step S907). If theresult of the on-line process indicates that the settlement is notpossible (step S908—No), the sequence returns to the step S902 forcausing the user to select another settling method, but, if thesettlement is possible (step S908—Yes), the sequence proceeds to theprinting process.

[0297] If the “cash payment” button is depressed (step S902—cash), thereis executed a cash payment process (step S903). FIG. 10 is a flow chartshowing the function of the kiosk terminal 110 in the cash paymentprocess. Depending on the option of the kiosk terminal or the operatingprinciple of the store, the cash payment may be achieved by cash paymentat the pay counter of the store or by cash deposit in a coin receiverprovided in the kiosk terminal 110.

[0298] In cash of cash payment at the store counter, namely in case abar code is to be printed on the sheet (step S1001—Y), bar code printdata are generated according to the print charge, in preparation forattaching to the print data received from the CanDINet control unit 100.

[0299] In case of cash deposit into the coin receiver (step S1001—N),there are counted coins (step S1002), and there is discriminated whetherthe deposited cash covers the print charge (step S1003). The process isterminated when the print charge is paid (step S1003—Yes).

[0300] When the settlement is completed by any of the settling methods,the printing process is executed (step S912).

[0301] (Generation of Print Data)

[0302] In the following there will be explained the function of theCanDINet control unit 100 in generating the print data, based on theP-code transmitted from the kiosk terminal 110 and the output format ofthe advertisement. When the print data are requested from the kioskterminal 110, the CanDINet control unit 100 starts generation of theprint data. FIG. 53 is a basic flow chart showing the function of theCanDINet control unit 100 in generating the print data, and FIG. 17 is aflow chart showing the function of the CanDINet control unit 100 ingenerating the print data with advertisement. In the followingdescription, reference is made to the flow chart shown in FIG. 17. Inthe following there will principally be explained a case of generatingthe print data from the information data, but the process remains sameeven when the information data are replaced by mail data.

[0303] At first the CanDINet control unit 100 acquires a P-code forwhich the user wishes printout (step S1701). When the print data arerequested from the kiosk terminal, the P-code is also deliveredtherefrom, so that the P-code is acquired at this point.

[0304] Then the CanDINet control unit 100 acquires the advertisementsetting (output format of advertisement) (step S1702). In theinformation print service in the present embodiment, the user can selectthe output format of the advertisement on the kiosk terminal 110 (basedon the display image shown in FIG. 31), so that the output formattransmitted from the kiosk terminal is acquired. Also in case theinformation provider 130 designates the condition whether or not toinsert the advertisement at the issuance of the P-code from the CanDINetcontrol unit 100, such condition is stored in the basic property of theinformation of the IPO information registration table (1601 in FIG. 46)corresponding to the P-code, so that the output format of theadvertisement is determined according to such condition.

[0305] Then the information data, corresponding to the P-code acquiredin the step S1701, are acquired from the database (step S1703). Alsothere is discriminated whether or not to generate the print data withadvertisement, based on the output format of the advertisement acquiredin the step S1702 (step S1704).

[0306] In case of generating the print data with advertisement (stepS1704—Yes), there are executed in succession a sheet size determinationprocess (step S1705), a layout determination process (step S1706), anadvertisement size determination process (step S1707), and anadvertisement search process (step S1708). In case of generating theprint data without advertisement (step S1704—No), there are executed insuccession a sheet size determination process (step S1709) and a layoutdetermination process (step S1710).

[0307] These processes will be explained in the following.

[0308] (Sheet Size Determination Process)

[0309]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the function of the CanDINetcontrol unit 100 in the sheet size determination process. At first theservice type is confirmed, and there is discriminated whether theservice type is the mail print service (step S1801). If not the mailprint service (step S1801—Y), the process is started according to theflow chart shown in FIG. 18. If the service type is the mail printservice (step S1801—N), the process is started according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19.

[0310] At first, a step S1802 sets the sheet size at a basic sheet size.The basic sheet size is the sheet size designated in the registrationimage shown in FIG. 63 in case the user applies for the registration tothe CanDINet control unit 100, or the sheet size designated on a displayimage as shown in FIG. 37 in case the user can designate the sheet sizeon such display image on the kiosk terminal. If the user does notexecute designation in either case, the basic sheet size is set as A4size. The information necessary for determining the sheet size ismemorized in a table format 4502 in FIG. 45 according to the designationby the user, in case the user applies for the registration to theCanDINet control unit 100, but in a format 4503 in FIG. 45 if the userdoes not apply for the registration to the CanDINet control unit 100.

[0311] Then there is acquired the information size of the initialinformation data (step S1803). The above-mentioned information size isnot the data amount of the information data but indicates the print sizeon the print sheet. In the present embodiment, when the informationprovider 130 registers the information data in the CanDINet control unit100, the setting of printout of the information data is stored in atable format 4501 as shown in FIG. 45.

[0312] Then, according to the priority flag 4502 or 4503 in FIG. 45,there is discriminated whether the priority is given to the visibilityor page number in the print data generation (step S1804). If thepriority is given to visibility, a temporary sheet size is calculated byinformation size×reduction limit value (step S1805). If the priority isgiven to page number, a temporary sheet size is selected equal to theinformation size (step S1809).

[0313] Then there is discriminated whether the temporary sheet sizedetermined in the step S1805 or S1809 is larger than the sheet size(step S1806). If the temporary sheet size is larger than the sheet size(step S1806—Yes), there is selected the minimum sheet size satisfyingthe condition that sheet size=temporary sheet size (step S1810). If thetemporary sheet size is not larger than the sheet size, or if thetemporary sheet size is same as the sheet size, the temporary sheet sizeis selected as the sheet size (step S1807).

[0314] Once the sheet size is determined, there is discriminated whethernext information data are present (step S1808). If present (stepS1808—Yes), there is acquired the information size of such informationdata (step S1811) and the sequence returns to the step S1804. If thenext information data are absent (step S1808—No), the final sheet sizeis determined from the current sheet size and the standard advertisementratio, and the present process is terminated.

[0315] On the other hand, if the service type is the mail print service,a process is executed according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 19. Atfirst, a step S1901 sets the sheet size at a basic sheet size. The basicsheet size is the sheet size designated in the registration image shownin FIG. 63 in case the user applies for the registration to the CanDINetcontrol unit 100, or the sheet size designated on a display image asshown in FIG. 37 in case the user can designate the sheet size on suchdisplay image on the kiosk terminal. If the user does not executedesignation in either case, the basic sheet size is set as A4 size. Theinformation necessary for determining the sheet size is memorized in atable format 4502 in FIG. 45 according to the designation by the user,in case the user applies for the registration to the CanDINet controlunit 100, but in a format 4503 in FIG. 45 if the user does not apply forthe registration to the CanDINet control unit 100.

[0316] Then there is acquired the information on the initial mail (stepS1902). The above-mentioned information on mail includes whether themail has an attached image file, and the size of such image file if itis present.

[0317] Then there is discriminated whether an image file is attached tothe mail (step S1903). If not attached (step S1903—No), a temporarysheet size is selected as 0×0 (step S1907). If the image file isattached (step S1903—Yes), the sequence proceeds to a step S1904.

[0318] Then, according to the priority flag 4502 or 4503 in FIG. 45,there is discriminated whether the priority is given to the visibilityor page number in the print data generation (step S1904). If thepriority is given to visibility, a temporary sheet size is calculated byimage file size×reduction limit value (step S1905). If the priority isgiven to page number, a temporary sheet size is selected equal to theimage file size (step S1906).

[0319] Then there is discriminated whether the temporary sheet sizedetermined in the step S1905, S1906 or S1907 is larger than the sheetsize (step S1908). If the temporary sheet size is larger than the sheetsize (step S1908—Yes), there is selected the minimum sheet sizesatisfying the condition that sheet size=temporary sheet size (stepS1910). If the temporary sheet size is not larger than the sheet size,or if the temporary sheet size is same as the sheet size, the temporarysheet size is selected as the sheet size (step S1909).

[0320] Once the sheet size is determined, there is discriminated whethera next mail is present (step S1911). If present (step S1911—Yes), thereis acquired the information on such mail (step S1912) and the sequencereturns to the step S1903. If the next mail is absent (step S1911—No),the final sheet size is determined from the current sheet size and theadvertisement ratio, and the present process is terminated. In thepresent embodiment, the advertisement ratio is selected same as thestandard ratio of the amount of the advertisement 4502 or 4503 in FIG.45.

[0321] (Layout Determination Process)

[0322] In the following there will be explained the layout determinationprocess. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the function of the CanDINetcontrol unit 100 in the layout determination process. At first theCanDINet control unit 100 executes an advertisement area securingprocess for securing an advertisement area (step S2001).

[0323]FIG. 80 is a flow chart showing the function of the CanDINetcontrol unit 100 in the advertisement area securing process. At firstthere is determined the ratio of the amount of advertisement (stepS8001). In the present embodiment, the advertisement ratio is selectedsame as the standard ratio of the amount of the advertisement 4502 or4503 in FIG. 45. However, if the user selects not to print in the spaceof the information, in the input image shown in FIG. 31 and also selectseither or both of (1) printing the advertisement on the back side and(2) printing the advertisement on the separate sheet, the advertisementratio in this stage is selected as 0. It is however memorized to form anadvertisement area on the back side in case of selection (1), and toform an advertisement area on another sheet in case of selection (2).

[0324] Then there is discriminated whether a predetermined layout is tobe used for all the services, or the layout is to be changed fordifferent service types. This is determined according to the mode of theCanDINet control unit 100 for providing the advertisement service.

[0325] If the predetermined layout is to be used for all the services,the advertisement area is secured with such predetermined layout. Inthis case, the size of the advertisement area follows the ratio ofamount of the advertisement. In the present embodiment, thepredetermined layout is given by 7902 in FIG. 79.

[0326] If the layout is to be changed according to the service type, theadvertisement area is secured with a layout corresponding to eachservice type. Also in this case, the size of the advertisement areafollows the ratio of amount of the advertisement. In the presentembodiment, the layout for the mail print service is given by 7901 or7902 in FIG. 79, that for the information service and the personalinformation service is given by 7903 or 7904, and that for theinformation registration service (data deposit service) is given by7906.

[0327] In the flow chart in FIG. 20, there is assumed a layout 7902.After the step S2001, according to the priority flag 4502 or 4503 inFIG. 45, there is discriminated whether the priority is given to thevisibility or page number in the print data generation.

[0328] If the priority is given to visibility (step S2002—Yes), there isacquired the information size of the initial information data (stepS2003). Then the information data are placed at the upper left corner ofthe sheet (FIG. 20 {circle over (1)}), and there is secured an areacorresponding to the information size, for placing such information data(step S2004).

[0329] Then there is discriminated whether next information data arepresent (step S2005). If present (step S2005—Yes), there is acquired theinformation size of such information data (step S2006). Then such nextinformation data are placed under the initial information data (FIG. 20{circle over (2)}) and there is secured an area corresponding to theinformation size for placing such next information data (step S2004).This process is repeated until the next information data are no longerpresent. In case the step S2004 places the information data and tries tosecure the area of the information size for placing such informationdata but such area overflows from the sheet size or invades theadvertisement area, the layout is made on the next page.

[0330] If the priority is given to the page number in generating theprint data (step S2002—No), there is at first acquired the informationsize of the initial information data (step S2007), which is thenmultiplied by the reduction limit value (step S2008). In case theinformation data include a text and an image, and an item “sizevariable” is checked in the registration display image shown in FIG. 75,the reduction limit value is multiplied, within the variable range, oneach of the text and the image. Then the information data are placed atthe upper left corner of the sheet (FIG. 20 {circle over (1)}), andthere is secured an area of (information size×reduction limit value),for placing such information data (step S2009).

[0331] Then there is discriminated whether next information data arepresent (step S2010). If present (step S2010—Yes), there is acquired theinformation size of such information data (step S2011). Then such nextinformation data are placed under the initial information data (FIG. 20{circle over (2)}) and there is secured an area of (informationsize×reduction limit value) for placing such next information data (stepS2008). This process is repeated until the next information data are nolonger present.

[0332] When the next information data are no longer present (stepS2010—No), the area containing the information data is enlarged withinan extent not overflowing from the sheet size and not invading theadvertisement area (step S2012), thereby expanding the information dataas far as possible.

[0333] If the step S2009 places the information data and tries to securethe area of the information size for placing such information data butsuch area overflows from the sheet size or invades the advertisementarea, the layout is made on the next page.

[0334] (Advertisement Area Determination Process)

[0335] In the following there will be explained a process fordetermining the advertisement area. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing thefunction of the CanDINet control unit 100 in determining theadvertisement area.

[0336] At first, the advertisement area is selected as the print area bythe printing unit of the kiosk terminal minus the information data area(step S2101).

[0337] Then there is prepared a variable “advertisement size”, which isinitially selected as the largest advertisement size (step S8302). Inthe present embodiment, the advertisement size is limited topredetermined plural sizes. The advertisement provider is to select oneof such predetermined sizes at the registration of the advertisement.

[0338] Then there is discriminated whether the advertisement size can beaccommodated in the advertisement area (step S2103). If accommodatable(step S2103—Yes), there is secured an advertisement area of suchadvertisement size (step S2104), and the advertisement area is definedas the remaining advertisement area after such securing (step S2105).

[0339] If the advertisement size cannot be accommodated in theadvertisement area (step S2103—No), there is discriminated whether theadvertisement size is the smallest advertisement size (step S2106). Ifthere is a smaller advertisement size (step S2106—No), the next largestadvertisement size is selected as the advertisement size (step S2107)and the sequence returns to the step S2103. If there is no smalleradvertisement size (step S2106—Yes), the present process is terminated.In the step S2104, there are memorized the secured advertisement sizeand the secured location.

[0340] In the following there will be explained the process ofdetermining the advertisement area in case the advertisement is to beprinted on the back side or on another sheet. FIGS. 83 to 85 are flowcharts showing the function of the CanDINet control unit 100 indetermining the advertisement area.

[0341] At first, the advertisement area is selected as the print area bythe printing unit of the kiosk terminal minus the information data area(step S8301).

[0342] Then there is prepared a variable “advertisement size”, which isinitially selected as the largest advertisement size (step S8302). Inthe present embodiment, the advertisement size is limited topredetermined plural sizes. The advertisement provider is to select oneof such predetermined sizes at the registration of the advertisement.

[0343] Then there is discriminated whether the advertisement size can beaccommodated in the advertisement area (step S8303). If accommodatable(step S8303—Yes), there is secured an advertisement area of suchadvertisement size (step S8304), and the advertisement area is definedas the remaining advertisement area after such securing (step S8305).

[0344] If the advertisement size cannot be accommodated in theadvertisement area (step S8303—No), there is discriminated whether theadvertisement size is the smallest advertisement size (step S8306). Ifthere is a smaller advertisement size (step S8306—No), the next largestadvertisement size is selected as the advertisement size (step S8307)and the sequence returns to the step S8303. If there is no smalleradvertisement size (step S8306—Yes), the sequence proceeds to a step S84in FIG. 84.

[0345] A flow chart shown in FIG. 84 determines the advertisement areain case the advertisement area is secured on the back side. For thispurpose, there is at first discriminated whether an advertisement areais secured on the back side (step S8401). The discrimination is made bychecking whether the step S8001 in FIG. 80 has memorized securing theadvertisement area on the back side.

[0346] If the advertisement area is secured on the back side, theadvertisement area is selected as the print area by the printing unit ofthe kiosk terminal minus the information data area (step S8402). StepsS8403 to 8408 will not be explained as they are similar to the stepS8303 to S8308 in FIG. 83. In case the step S8407 identifies the absenceof smaller advertisement size, the sequence proceeds to a step S8501 inFIG. 85.

[0347] When an advertisement area is secured in another sheet, the flowchart in FIG. 85 executes a process for determining the advertisementarea. For this purpose, there is at first discriminated whether anadvertisement area is secured on another sheet (step S8501). Thediscrimination is made by checking whether the step S8001 in FIG. 80 hasmemorized securing the advertisement area on another sheet.

[0348] If the advertisement area is secured on another sheet, theadvertisement area is selected as the print area by the printing unit ofthe kiosk terminal (step S8502). Steps S8503 to 8508 will not beexplained as they are similar to the step S8303 to S8308 in FIG. 83. Incase the step S8507 identifies the absence of smaller advertisementsize, the advertisement area determining process is terminated. Thesteps S8304, S8404 and S8504 memorize the secured advertisement size andthe secured location.

[0349] In an example shown in FIG. 54, the advertisement areas aresecured in succession for the advertisements 1, 2, 3 and 4, withrespective areas of 10×20, 10×10, 5×10 and 5×10.

[0350] (Registration of Advertisement)

[0351] In the present embodiment, the advertisement provider wishing toinsert an advertisement applies for registration to the CanDINet controlunit 100. For this purpose, the advertisement provider makes access tothe CanDINet control unit 100 through the network and enters informationnecessary for the registration on the registration display images asshown in FIGS. 64 to 70.

[0352] On the registration display image shown in FIG. 64, theadvertisement provider enters the name and the contact address. If theregistration is already applied for, there may be entered a password forchanging the registration. On the registration display image shown inFIG. 65, there are designated the image data and text data (hereinaftercollectively called advertisement data) for advertisement insertion,whereby the advertisement data are transferred to the CanDINet controlunit 100.

[0353] On the registration display image shown in FIG. 66, theadvertisement provider designates the starting data and the effectiveperiod of the advertisement insertion. The advertisement data are nolonger used for advertisement insertion when the effective period afterthe starting date expires. On the registration display image in FIG. 67,a limitation can be designated on the geographical area in which theadvertisement data are printed.

[0354] On the registration display image shown in FIG. 68, theadvertisement provider can select the printed advertisement size amongthe predetermined sizes, and whether the advertisement size can bechanged or not.

[0355] Also on the registration display image shown in FIG. 69, therecan be designated a full-page advertisement, a top-printed advertisementor a back-printed advertisement. On the registration display image shownin FIG. 70, there can be designated a limit on the number of printingsof the advertisement and a limit on the print charge.

[0356] After the registering operation of the advertisement provider onthe registration images in FIGS. 64 to 70, the CanDINet control unit 100issues a P-code to such advertisement data. At the same time anadvertisement information table corresponding to such P-code is preparedfrom the information entered on the registration display images and isstored in the P-code DB.

[0357]FIG. 47 shows an example of the advertisement information table4701, containing the P-code in the left-end column. The table alsocontains the property of the advertisement corresponding to the P-codeand the file information of the advertisement data.

[0358] (Advertisement Search Process)

[0359] In the following there will be explained the advertisement searchprocess in the step S1711 in FIG. 17. FIG. 22 is a flow chart showingthe function of the CanDINet control unit 100 in the advertisementsearch process. At first there is prepared a keyword list for searchingthe advertisement to be inserted (step S2201). The keyword list isprepared, according to the service type, either from the keyword listmemorized in the basic property of the information of the IP informationregistration table (4601 in FIG. 46) corresponding to the P-code of theinformation data to be printed, or from the user profile of the userinformation table (4801 in FIGS. 48A and 48B) corresponding to theP-code of the user, or from the terminal information table (FIG. 52)relating to the kiosk terminal executing the printing operation.

[0360]FIG. 57 shows an example of the keyword list 5701 prepared fromthe IP information registration table relating to the P-codecorresponding to the article (information data). The keyword listcontains keywords and weights thereof in pair.

[0361]FIG. 57 also shows an example of the keyword list 5702 preparedfrom the terminal information table. The keywords are “Shibuya” and“Tokyo”, since this kiosk terminal is placed in Shibuya in Tokyo city.

[0362] Then there are prepared a keyword list of highest priority and akeyword list of lowest priority. The highest priority keyword list isprepared when a group of specified advertisements is to bepreferentially inserted with a limitation in the geographical area or intime. Also the lowest priority keyword list is prepared for example whenthe keyword list is not prepared in the step S2202.

[0363] The above-mentioned plural keyword lists are arranged in thedescending order of priority as indicated by 5703 in FIG. 57, and thekeyword list of the highest priority is specified (step S2203).

[0364] Then a keyword in thus specified keyword list is used as thesearch key for searching the advertisement data (step S2204). The P-code(advertisement ID) of the detected advertisement data is entered in asearch result list (step S2205). Then there is discriminated whether thesearch has been executed with all the keywords in the specified keywordlist as the search key (step S2206), and, if executed (step S2206—Yes),the sequence proceeds to a step S2207, but, if not, the sequence returnsto the step S2204.

[0365] A step S2207 determines the level of matching on theadvertisement data have the advertisement P-code in the search resultlist. The matching level is calculated by multiplying the weight of thekeyword detecting the advertisement data by the priority of the keywordlist to which the keyword belongs. It is also possible to determine thematching level anew from the effective period, number of prints, upperlimit charge, upper limit print number, unit charge etc. contained inthe property of the advertisement relating to the advertisement P-codeand to add such matching level to the above-mentioned matching level. Itis furthermore possible to determine the matching level anew, higher fora higher freedom of the advertisement, based on the inserting positionsetting, size adjusting method, laterally or vertically oblongpositioning etc. in the property of the advertisement, and to add suchmatching level to the above-mentioned matching level.

[0366] After the matching level is determined for all theadvertisements, the advertisement P-codes in the search result list aresorted with the matching level. FIG. 57 shows an example of the finalsearch result list 5704.

[0367] After the above-described process is executed for a keyword list,there is discriminated whether there is present another keyword list(step S2209). If present (step S2209—Yes), there is specified a keywordlist of the next highest priority (step S2210) and the sequence returnsto the step S2204.

[0368] (Generation of Print Data)

[0369] Finally there will be explained the generation of the print datain the step S1711 in FIG. 17. In this step, the print data are generatedby selecting to the advertisement data to be inserted, from the securedadvertisement size and the secured location stored in the advertisementsize determination process of the step S1707 and from the search resultlist prepared in the advertisement search process in the step S1708.

[0370] The CanDINet control unit 100 selects the advertisement data tobe inserted, by discriminating, in the descending order of matchinglevel of the advertisement P-code in the search result list, whether theadvertisement size memorized in the advertisement information tablecorresponding to such P-code matches the advertisement size determinedin the advertisement size determination process. In this operation,consideration is made not only on the advertisement size but also onwhether the size is adjustable.

[0371] Also if the selected advertisement data include an advertisementdesignated for page-top insertion, the layout is also changed. Forexample, if advertisement data designated for page-top insertion areselected for the advertisement 3 in FIG. 54, the layout is changed asshown in FIG. 55.

[0372]FIG. 56 shows an example of the printout of thus generated printdata.

[0373] In case the output format of the advertisement determined in thestep S1702 in FIG. 17 designates the advertisement printing on the backside or advertisement printing also on the back side, there are at firstgenerated the print data for outputting the information data with thelayout determined in the layout determination process (step S1706 inFIG. 17) and then generated are the print data for printing the selectedadvertisement data on the back side.

[0374] Also in case the output format of the advertisement determined inthe step S1702 in FIG. 17 designates the advertisement printing onanother sheet, there are at first generated the print data foroutputting the information data with the layout determined in the layoutdetermination process (step S1706 in FIG. 17) and, after a page change,there are generated the print data for printing the selectedadvertisement data on a next page.

[0375] As detailedly explained in the foregoing, the present inventionallows to provide a method and a system for informationregistration/acquisition in a network, and an information processingmethod, an output control method, an apparatus and a system therefor,including a terminal capable of printing process.

[0376] Also there can be provided an information processing method, anoutput control method, an apparatus and a system therefor, capable ofattaching, in optimum manner, a sponcer advertisement which bears a costfor reducing the information acquiring cost for the user.

[0377] Also there can be provided an information processing method, anoutput control method, an apparatus and a system therefor, allowing toassign a code to a user mail and to enable mail acquisition by the code,in order to meet the requirements that the electronic mail informationsent to the mobile terminal cannot be fully displayed or is to beprinted out because of the poor legibility or for the purpose ofstorage, or that the user without the mobile terminal wishes to read theelectronic mail outside his office.

[0378] Also there can be provided an information processing method, anoutput control method, an apparatus and a system therefor, allowing notonly to acquire the individual information by a code but also to assigna code specific to the user to the information selected and integratedaccording to the desire of the user, and to acquire such information bythe code.

[0379] Also there can be provided an information processing method, anoutput control method, an apparatus and a system therefor, allowing theuser to temporarily deposit information owned by the user from aterminal, to acquired an assigned code and to extract the depositedinformation at any time and at any location by a person knowing suchassigned code.

[0380] Also there is provided a U/I including the control command toshorten the input code and to simplify the U/I. The auxiliaryinformation is entered by interactive manner utilizing GUI, and suchmethod is easier than the mere inorganic code for understanding by theuser.

[0381] Also the insertion of advertisement variably reduces the chargeto be paid by the user, thereby simulating increase in the use ofinformation.

[0382] Also the printed character or image can be expanded or reduced insize within a tolerable range not deteriorating the quality of theobtained print.

[0383] Also the advertisement is charged according to the amount ofprinting, with an upper or lower limit. Such limit avoids unlimitedpayment of the advertisement charge.

[0384] Also the variable print charge can be indicated by printing a barcode together with the printing of the information and can be promptlysettled, without error, by reading such bar code.

[0385] Also the printing of the advertisement on the back side allowseffective utilization of the sheet area even with a simple layout rule,and the advertisement can be inserted without influencing the layout ofthe information. Also the value of the advertisement is not much loweredsince the back side of paper is always visible to the user. Also therecan be provided a large advertisement utilizing the entire space of thesheet.

[0386] Also the selection of various information at the store countercan be collectively covered under the unified print instruction, wherebythe desired information can be printed by simple operations withoutcumbersome procedures.

[0387] By installing the information access terminal at the conveniencestore or the like and obtaining the inexpensive (even free of charge byincluding advertisement) prints, the user is allowed to acquiresimplified information from the mobile terminal and detailed informationby print on paper. Such configuration drastically improves theconvenience of access to information, and stimulates the sales activityin the convenience store as such location attracts more people.

[0388] Also the user can acquire the necessary information every day byframe registration of a frame or a layout to the personal P-code system.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising:readout control means for controlling information readout from firstmemory means storing first value information indicating the value ofoutput information to be outputted and from second memory means storingsecond value information indicating the value of additional informationto be added to said output information; and determination means fordetermining a charge for the output of said output information and saidadditional information, based on the first value information of saidoutput information and the second value information of said additionalinformation to be added to said output information.
 2. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said outputinformation is present in plural units and said first value informationcorresponds to said plural output information.
 3. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said additionalinformation is present in plural units and said second value informationcorresponds to said plural additional information.
 4. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said charge for saidoutput, determined by said determination means, is based on a monetaryamount obtained by subtracting from a monetary amount corresponding tosaid first value information, a monetary amount corresponding to saidsecond value information.
 5. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said charge for said output, determined bysaid determination means, is based on a monetary amount obtained bysubtracting, from a monetary amount for executing the output and amonetary amount corresponding to said first value information, amonetary amount corresponding to said second value information.
 6. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidcharge for said output, determined by said determination means, maybecome zero.
 7. An information processing apparatus according to claim4, wherein, in case said monetary amount after subtraction becomesnegative, said determination means is adapted to determine the chargefor said output as zero.
 8. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein, in case said monetary amount aftersubtraction becomes negative, said determination means is adapted todetermine the charge for said output as a predetermined amount.
 9. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidadditional information is so controlled as to be or not to be attachedto said output information, based on attribute information indicatingthe number of output attached to said output information.
 10. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidcharge for said output is different for a color output and for amonochromatic output.
 11. An information processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, further comprising discrimination means for discriminatingwhether or not to attach said additional information to said outputinformation; wherein said determination means is adapted, in case saidadditional information is discriminated as not to be attached to saidoutput information, to determine the charge for said output based on themonetary amount corresponding to said first value information and themonetary amount for executing the output.
 12. An information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output is a monochromaticoutput.
 13. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the output is a color output.
 14. An information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said additional information isadvertisement information to be attached to said output information. 15.An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising input means for entering code information indicating saidoutput information.
 16. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said code information is based on information obtainedfrom an equipment other than a computer, such as a mobile terminal. 17.An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theoutput is executed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
 18. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theoutput is executed by an ink jet printer unit.
 19. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output isassociated with a charge settling function.
 20. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output isassociated with a person verifying function.
 21. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output is basedon the presence of a two-side unit capable of output on the backsurface.
 22. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the output is based on the presence of a coin counter forpayment of the charge for said output.
 23. An information processingapparatus according to claim 1, which comprises being based on thepresence of an interface with the exterior for acquiring said outputinformation.
 24. An information processing apparatus according to claim1, adapted to recognize status information of an external apparatus forthe purpose of output.
 25. An output control apparatus comprising: codeinput means for entering code information for specifying outputinformation; setting input means for entering setting information forthe output of said output information; transmission means fortransmitting said code information entered by said code input means andsaid setting information entered by said setting input means to anexternal apparatus; and reception means for receiving, from saidexternal apparatus, charge information indicating the charge of theoutput, determined by said external apparatus based on first valueinformation indicating the value of said output information specified bythe code information transmitted by said transmission means and onsecond value information indicating the value of additional informationto be added in the output to said output information.
 26. An outputcontrol apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said output informationis present in plural units and said first value information correspondsto said plural output information.
 27. An output control apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein said additional information is present inplural units and said second value information corresponds to saidplural additional information.
 28. An output control apparatus accordingto claim 25, wherein said determined charge for said output is based ona monetary amount obtained by subtracting, from a monetary amountcorresponding to said first value information, a monetary amountcorresponding to said second value information.
 29. An output controlapparatus according to claim 25, wherein said determined charge for saidoutput is based on a monetary amount obtained by subtracting, from amonetary amount for executing the output and a monetary amountcorresponding to said first value information, a monetary amountcorresponding to said second value information.
 30. An output controlapparatus according to claim 25, wherein said determined charge for saidoutput may become zero.
 31. An output control apparatus according toclaim 28, wherein, in case said monetary amount after subtractionbecomes negative, said charge for said output is determined as zero. 32.An output control apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, in case saidmonetary amount after subtraction becomes negative, said charge for saidoutput is determined as a predetermined amount.
 33. An output controlapparatus according to claim 25, wherein said additional information isso controlled as to be or not to be attached to said output information,based on attribute information indicating the number of output attachedto said output information.
 34. An output control apparatus according toclaim 25, wherein said charge for said output is different for a coloroutput and for a monochromatic output.
 35. An output control apparatusaccording to claim 25, further comprising an operation unit includingsaid code input means and said setting input means.
 36. An outputcontrol apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the output is amonochromatic output.
 37. An output control apparatus according to claim25, wherein the output is a color output.
 38. An output controlapparatus according to claim 25, wherein said additional information isadvertisement information to be attached to said output information. 39.An output control apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said codeinformation is based on information obtained from an equipment otherthan a computer, such as a mobile terminal.
 40. An output controlapparatus according to claim 25, wherein the output is executed by anelectrophotographic printer unit.
 41. An output control apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein the output is executed by an ink jetprinter unit.
 42. An output control apparatus according to claim 25,wherein the output is associated with a charge settling function.
 43. Anoutput control apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the output isassociated with a person verifying function.
 44. An output controlapparatus according to claim 25, wherein the output is based on thepresence of a two-side unit capable of output on the back surface. 45.An output control apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the output isbased on the presence of a coin counter for payment of the charge forsaid output.
 46. An output control apparatus according to claim 25,further comprising information reception means for receiving the outputinformation specified by said code information transmitted by saidtransmission means.
 47. An output control apparatus according to claim25, wherein said apparatus is connected to said external apparatusthrough a network.
 48. An output control apparatus according to claim25, further comprising status transmission means for transmitting astatus to said external apparatus.
 49. An information providing systemcomposed of an information processing apparatus and an output controlapparatus connected through a network: wherein said informationprocessing apparatus comprising: code input means for entering codeinformation for specifying output information; and code transmissionmeans for transmitting said code information entered by said code inputmeans; and said output control apparatus comprises: readout controlmeans for controlling information readout from first memory meansstoring first value information indicating the value of outputinformation to be outputted and from second memory means storing secondvalue information indicating the value of additional information to beadded to said output information; code reception means for receivingsaid code information; and determination means for determining a chargefor the output of said output information and said additionalinformation, based on the first value information of said outputinformation specified by the code information received by said receptionmeans and the second value information of said additional information tobe added in the output to said output information.
 50. An informationproviding system according to claim 49, wherein said output informationis present in plural units and said first value information correspondsto said plural output information.
 51. An information providing systemaccording to claim 49, wherein said additional information is present inplural units and said second value information corresponds to saidplural additional information.
 52. An information providing systemaccording to claim 49, wherein said charge for said output, determinedby said determination means, is based on a monetary amount obtained bysubtracting, from a monetary amount corresponding to said first valueinformation, a monetary amount corresponding to said second valueinformation.
 53. An information providing system according to claim 49,wherein said charge for said output, determined by said determinationmeans, is based on a monetary amount obtained by subtracting, from amonetary amount for executing the output and a monetary amountcorresponding to said first value information, a monetary amountcorresponding to said second value information.
 54. An informationproviding system according to claim 49, wherein said charge for saidoutput, determined by said determination means, may become zero.
 55. Aninformation providing system according to claim 52, wherein, in casesaid monetary amount after subtraction becomes negative, saiddetermination means is adapted to determine the charge for said outputas zero.
 56. An information providing system according to claim 52,wherein, in case said monetary amount after subtraction becomesnegative, said determination means is adapted to determine the chargefor said output as a predetermined amount.
 57. An information providingsystem according to claim 49, wherein said additional information is socontrolled as to be or not to be attached to said output information,based on attribute information indicating the number of output attachedto said output information.
 58. An information providing systemaccording to claim 49, wherein said charge for said output is differentfor a color output and for a monochromatic output.
 59. An informationproviding system according to claim 49, wherein said informationprocessing apparatus further comprises: discrimination means fordiscriminating whether or not to attach said additional information tosaid output information; wherein said determination means is adapted, incase said additional information is discriminated as not to be attachedto said output information, to determine the charge for said outputbased on the monetary amount corresponding to said first valueinformation and the monetary amount for executing the output.
 60. Aninformation providing system according to claim 49, wherein the outputis a monochromatic output.
 61. An information providing system accordingto claim 49, wherein the output is a color output.
 62. An informationproviding system according to claim 49, wherein said additionalinformation is advertisement information to be attached to said outputinformation.
 63. An information providing system according to claim 49,wherein said code information is based on information obtained from anequipment other than a computer, such as a mobile terminal.
 64. Aninformation providing system according to claim 49, wherein the outputis executed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
 65. An informationproviding system according to claim 49, wherein the output is executedby an ink jet printer unit.
 66. An information providing systemaccording to claim 49, wherein the output is associated with a chargesettling function.
 67. An information providing system according toclaim 49, wherein the output is associated with a person verifyingfunction.
 68. An information providing system according to claim 49,wherein the output is based on the presence of a two-side unit capableof output on the back surface.
 69. An information providing systemaccording to claim 49, wherein the output is based on the presence of acoin counter for payment of the charge for said output.
 70. Aninformation providing system according to claim 49, wherein saidinformation processing apparatus is adapted to recognize the statusinformation of said output control apparatus for the purpose ofexecuting the output.
 71. An information providing system according toclaim 49, wherein said information processing apparatus comprises:information transmission means for transmitting said output information,specified by said code information received by said code receptionmeans, to said output control apparatus; and said output controlapparatus comprises information reception means for receiving saidoutput information specified by said code information transmitted bysaid code transmission means.
 72. An information providing systemaccording to claim 49, wherein said information processing apparatuscomprises: information transmission means for transmitting said outputinformation, specified by said code information transmitted by said codetransmission means, to said output control apparatus; and said outputcontrol apparatus comprises information reception means for receivingsaid output information specified by said code information transmittedby said code transmission means.
 73. An information processing methodcomprising: a readout control step of controlling information readoutfrom a first memory step of storing first value information indicatingthe value of output information to be outputted and from a second memorystep of storing second value information indicating the value ofadditional information to be added to said output information; and adetermination step of determining a charge for the output of said outputinformation and said additional information, based on the first valueinformation of said output information and the second value informationof said additional information to be added to said output information.74. An information processing method according to claim 73, wherein saidoutput information is present in plural units and said first valueinformation corresponds to said plural output information.
 75. Aninformation processing method according to claim 73, wherein saidadditional information is present in plural units and said second valueinformation corresponds to said plural additional information.
 76. Aninformation processing method according to claim 73, wherein said chargefor said output, determined by said determination step, is based on amonetary amount obtained by subtracting, from a monetary amountcorresponding to said first value information, a monetary amountcorresponding to said second value information.
 77. An informationprocessing method according to claim 73, wherein said charge for saidoutput, determined by said determination step, is based on a monetaryamount obtained by subtracting, from a monetary amount for executing theoutput and a monetary amount corresponding to said first valueinformation, a monetary amount corresponding to said second valueinformation.
 78. An information processing method according to claim 73,wherein said charge for said output, determined by said determinationstep, may become zero.
 79. An information processing method according toclaim 76, wherein, in case said monetary amount after subtractionbecomes negative, said determination step is adapted to determine thecharge for said output as zero.
 80. An information processing methodaccording to claim 76, wherein, in case said monetary amount aftersubtraction becomes negative, said determination step is adapted todetermine the charge for said output as a predetermined amount.
 81. Aninformation processing method according to claim 73, wherein saidadditional information is so controlled as to be or not to be attachedto said output information, based on attribute information indicatingthe number of output attached to said output information.
 82. Aninformation processing method according to claim 73, wherein said chargefor said output is different for a color output and for a monochromaticoutput.
 83. An information processing method according to claim 73,further comprising a discrimination step of discriminating whether ornot to attach said additional information to said output information;wherein said determination step is adapted, in case said additionalinformation is discriminated as not to be attached to said outputinformation, to determine the charge for said output based on themonetary amount corresponding to said first value information and themonetary amount for executing the output.
 84. An information processingmethod according to claim 73, wherein the output is a monochromaticoutput.
 85. An information processing method according to claim 73,wherein the output is a color output.
 86. An information processingmethod according to claim 73, wherein said additional information isadvertisement information to be attached to said output information. 87.An information processing method according to claim 73, furthercomprising an input step of entering code information indicating saidoutput information.
 88. An information processing method according toclaim 73, wherein said code information is based on information obtainedfrom an equipment other than a computer, such as a mobile terminal. 89.An information processing method according to claim 73, wherein theoutput is executed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
 90. Aninformation processing method according to claim 73, wherein the outputis executed by an ink jet printer unit.
 91. An information processingmethod according to claim 73, wherein the output is associated with acharge settling function.
 92. An information processing method accordingto claim 73, wherein the output is associated with a person verifyingfunction.
 93. An information processing method according to claim 73,wherein the output is based on the presence of a two-side unit capableof output on the back surface.
 94. An information processing methodaccording to claim 73, wherein the output is based on the presence of acoin counter for payment of the charge for said output.
 95. Aninformation processing method according to claim 73, based on thepresence of an interface with the exterior for acquiring said outputinformation.
 96. An information processing method according to claim 73,adapted to recognize status information of an external apparatus for thepurpose of output.
 97. An output control method comprising: a code inputstep of entering code information for specifying output information; asetting input step of entering setting information for the output ofsaid output information; a transmission step of transmitting said codeinformation entered by said code input means and said settinginformation entered by said setting input means to an externalapparatus; and a reception step of receiving, from said externalapparatus, charge information indicating the charge of the output,determined by said external apparatus based on first value informationindicating the value of said output information specified by the codeinformation transmitted by said transmission means and on second valueinformation indicating the value of additional information to be addedin the output to said output information.
 98. An output control methodaccording to claim 97, wherein said output information is present inplural units and said first value information corresponds to said pluraloutput information.
 99. An output control method according to claim 97,wherein said additional information is present in plural units and saidsecond value information corresponds to said plural additionalinformation.
 100. An output control method according to claim 97,wherein said determined charge for said output is based on a monetaryamount obtained by subtracting, from a monetary amount corresponding tosaid first value information, a monetary amount corresponding to saidsecond value information.
 101. An output control method according toclaim 97, wherein said determined charge for said output is based on amonetary amount obtained by subtracting, from a monetary amount forexecuting the output and a monetary amount corresponding to said firstvalue information, a monetary amount corresponding to said second valueinformation.
 102. An output control method according to claim 97,wherein said determined charge for said output may become zero.
 103. Anoutput control method according to claim 100, wherein, in case saidmonetary amount after subtraction becomes negative, said charge for saidoutput is determined as zero.
 104. An output control method according toclaim 100, wherein, in case said monetary amount after subtractionbecomes negative, said charge for said output is determined as apredetermined amount.
 105. An output control method according to claim97, wherein said additional information is so controlled as to be or notto be attached to said output information, based on attributeinformation indicating the number of output attached to said outputinformation.
 106. An output control method according to claim 97,wherein said charge for said output is different for a color output andfor a monochromatic output.
 107. An output control method according toclaim 97, further comprising an operation process including said codeinput step and said setting input step.
 108. An output control methodaccording to claim 97, wherein the output is a monochromatic output.109. An output control method according to claim 97, wherein the outputis a color output.
 110. An output control method according to claim 97,wherein said additional information is advertisement information to beattached to said output information.
 111. An output control methodaccording to claim 97, wherein said code information is based oninformation obtained from an equipment other than a computer, such as amobile terminal.
 112. An output control method according to claim 97,wherein the output is executed by an electrophotographic printer unit.113. An output control method according to claim 97, wherein the outputis executed by an ink jet printer unit.
 114. An output control methodaccording to claim 97, wherein the output is associated with a chargesettling function.
 115. An output control method according to claim 97,wherein the output is associated with a person verifying function. 116.An output control method according to claim 97, wherein the output isbased on the presence of a two-side unit capable of output on the backsurface.
 117. An output control method according to claim 97, whereinthe output is based on the presence of a coin counter for payment of thecharge for said output.
 118. An output control method according to claim97, further comprising an information reception step for receiving theoutput information specified by said code information transmitted bysaid transmission step.
 119. An output control method according to claim97, wherein said apparatus is connected to said external apparatusthrough a network.
 120. An output control method according to claim 97,further comprising a status transmission step for transmitting a statusto said external apparatus.
 121. An information providing method for usein an information providing system composed of an information processingapparatus and an output control apparatus connected through a network:wherein said information processing apparatus comprises: a code inputstep of entering code information for specifying output information; anda code transmission step of transmitting said code information enteredby said code input step; and said output control apparatus comprises: areadout control step of controlling information readout from a firstmemory step storing first value information indicating the value ofoutput information to be outputted and from a second memory step storingsecond value information indicating the value of additional informationto be added to said output information; a code reception step ofreceiving said code information; and a determination step of determininga charge for the output of said output information and said additionalinformation, based on the first value information of said outputinformation specified by the code information received by said receptionstep and the second value information of said additional information tobe added in the output to said output information.
 122. An informationproviding method according to claim 121, wherein said output informationis present in plural units and said first value information correspondsto said plural output information.
 123. An information providing methodaccording to claim 121, wherein said additional information is presentin plural units and said second value information corresponds to saidplural additional information.
 124. An information providing methodaccording to claim 121, wherein said charge for said output, determinedby said determination step, is based on a monetary amount obtained bysubtracting, from a monetary amount corresponding to said first valueinformation, a monetary amount corresponding to said second valueinformation.
 125. An information providing method according to claim121, wherein said charge for said output, determined by saiddetermination step, is based on a monetary amount obtained bysubtracting, from a monetary amount for executing the output and amonetary amount corresponding to said first value information, amonetary amount corresponding to said second value information.
 126. Aninformation providing method according to claim 121, wherein said chargefor said output, determined by said determination step, may become zero.127. An information providing method according to claim 124, wherein, incase said monetary amount after subtraction becomes negative, saiddetermination step is adapted to determine the charge for said output aszero.
 128. An information providing method according to claim 124,wherein, in case said monetary amount after subtraction becomesnegative, said determination step is adapted to determine the charge forsaid output as a predetermined amount.
 129. An information providingmethod according to claim 121, wherein said additional information is socontrolled as to be or not to be attached to said output information,based on attribute information indicating the number of output attachedto said output information.
 130. An information providing methodaccording to claim 121, wherein said charge for said output is differentfor a color output and for a monochromatic output.
 131. An informationproviding method according to claim 121, wherein said informationprocessing apparatus further comprises: a discrimination step ofdiscriminating whether or not to attach said additional information tosaid output information; wherein said determination step is adapted, incase said additional information is discriminated as not to be attachedto said output information, to determine the charge for said outputbased on the monetary amount corresponding to said first valueinformation and the monetary amount for executing the output.
 132. Aninformation providing method according to claim 121, wherein the outputis a monochromatic output.
 133. An information providing methodaccording to claim 121, wherein the output is a color output.
 134. Aninformation providing method according to claim 121, wherein saidadditional information is advertisement information to be attached tosaid output information.
 135. An information providing method accordingto claim 121, wherein said code information is based on informationobtained from an equipment other than a computer, such as a mobileterminal.
 136. An information providing method according to claim 121,wherein the output is executed by an electrophotographic printer unit.137. An information providing method according to claim 121, wherein theoutput is executed by an ink jet printer unit.
 138. An informationproviding method according to claim 121, wherein the output isassociated with a charge settling function.
 139. An informationproviding method according to claim 121, wherein the output isassociated with a person verifying function.
 140. An informationproviding method according to claim 121, wherein the output is based onthe presence of a two-side unit capable of output on the back surface.141. An information providing method according to claim 121, wherein theoutput is based on the presence of a coin counter for payment of thecharge for said output.
 142. An information providing method accordingto claim 121, wherein said information processing apparatus is adaptedto recognize the status information of said output control apparatus forthe purpose of executing the output.
 143. An information providingmethod according to claim 121, wherein said information processingapparatus comprises: an information transmission step of transmittingsaid output information, specified by said code information received bysaid code reception step; and said output control apparatus comprises aninformation reception step of receiving said output informationspecified by said code information transmitted by said code transmissionstep.
 144. An information providing method according to claim 121,wherein said information processing apparatus comprises: an informationtransmission step of transmitting said output information, specified bysaid code information transmitted by said code transmission step, tosaid output control apparatus; and said output control apparatuscomprises an information reception step of receiving said outputinformation specified by said code information transmitted by said codetransmission step.
 145. A computer-readable memory medium storing aninformation processing program, the program comprising: a readoutcontrol step of controlling information readout from a first memory stepof storing first value information indicating the value of outputinformation to be outputted and from a second memory step of storingsecond value information indicating the value of additional informationto be added to said output information; and a determination step ofdetermining a charge for the output of said output information and saidadditional information, based on the first value information of saidoutput information and the second value information of said additionalinformation to be added to said output information.
 146. A memory mediumaccording to claim 145, wherein said output information is present inplural units and said first value information corresponds to said pluraloutput information.
 147. A memory medium according to claim 145, whereinsaid additional information is present in plural units and said secondvalue information corresponds to said plural additional information.148. A memory medium according to claim 145, wherein said charge forsaid output, determined by said determination step, is based on amonetary amount obtained by subtracting, from a monetary amountcorresponding to said first value information, a monetary amountcorresponding to said second value information.
 149. A memory mediumaccording to claim 145, wherein said charge for said output, determinedby said determination step, is based on a monetary amount obtained bysubtracting, from a monetary amount for executing the output and amonetary amount corresponding to said first value information, amonetary amount corresponding to said second value information.
 150. Amemory medium according to claim 145, wherein said charge for saidoutput, determined by said determination step, may become zero.
 151. Amemory medium according to claim 148, wherein, in case said monetaryamount after subtraction becomes negative, said determination step isadapted to determine the charge for said output as zero.
 152. A memorymedium according to claim 148, wherein, in case said monetary amountafter subtraction becomes negative, said determination step is adaptedto determine the charge for said output as a predetermined amount. 153.A memory medium according to claim 145, wherein said additionalinformation is so controlled as to be or not to be attached to saidoutput information, based on attribute information indicating the numberof output attached to said output information.
 154. A memory mediumaccording to claim 145, wherein said charge for said output is differentfor a color output and for a monochromatic output.
 155. A memory mediumaccording to claim 145, wherein said information processing programfurther comprises a discrimination step of discriminating whether or notto attach said additional information to said output information;wherein said determination step is adapted, in case said additionalinformation is discriminated as not to be attached to said outputinformation, to determine the charge for said output based on themonetary amount corresponding to said first value information and themonetary amount for executing the output.
 156. A memory medium accordingto claim 145, wherein the output is a monochromatic output.
 157. Amemory medium according to claim 145, wherein the output is a coloroutput.
 158. A memory medium according to claim 145, wherein saidadditional information is advertisement information to be attached tosaid output information.
 159. A memory medium according to claim 145,wherein said information processing program further comprises an inputstep of entering code information indicating said output information.160. A memory medium according to claim 145, wherein said codeinformation is based on information obtained from an equipment otherthan a computer, such as a mobile terminal.
 161. A memory mediumaccording to claim 145, wherein the output is executed by anelectrophotographic printer unit.
 162. A memory medium according toclaim 145, wherein the output is executed by an ink jet printer unit.163. A memory medium according to claim 145, wherein the output isassociated with a charge settling function.
 164. A memory mediumaccording to claim 145, wherein the output is associated with a personverifying function.
 165. A memory medium according to claim 145, whereinthe output is based on the presence of a two-side unit capable of outputon the back surface.
 166. A memory medium according to claim 145,wherein the output is based on the presence of a coin counter forpayment of the charge for said output.
 167. A memory medium according toclaim 145, wherein said information processing program is based on thepresence of an interface with the exterior for acquiring said outputinformation.
 168. A memory medium according to claim 145, wherein saidinformation processing program is adapted to recognize statusinformation of an external apparatus for the purpose of output.
 169. Acomputer readable memory medium storing an output control program, theprogram comprising: a code input step of entering code information forspecifying output information; a setting input step of entering settinginformation for the output of said output information; a transmissionstep of transmitting said code information entered by said code inputmeans and said setting information entered by said setting input meansto an external apparatus; and a reception step of receiving, from saidexternal apparatus, charge information indicating the charge of theoutput, determined by said external apparatus based on first valueinformation indicating the value of said output information specified bythe code information transmitted by said transmission means and onsecond value information indicating the value of additional informationto be added in the output to said output information.
 170. A memorymedium according to claim 169, wherein said output information ispresent in plural units and said first value information corresponds tosaid plural output information.
 171. A memory medium according to claim169, wherein said additional information is present in plural units andsaid second value information corresponds to said plural additionalinformation.
 172. A memory medium according to claim 169, wherein saiddetermined charge for said output is based on a monetary amount obtainedby subtracting, from a monetary amount corresponding to said first valueinformation, a monetary amount corresponding to said second valueinformation.
 173. A memory medium according to claim 169, wherein saiddetermined charge for said output is based on a monetary amount obtainedby subtracting, from a monetary amount for executing the output and amonetary amount corresponding to said first value information, amonetary amount corresponding to said second value information.
 174. Amemory medium according to claim 169, wherein said determined charge forsaid output may become zero.
 175. A memory medium according to claim172, wherein, in case said monetary amount after subtraction becomesnegative, said charge for said output is determined as zero.
 176. Amemory medium according to claim 172, wherein, in case said monetaryamount after subtraction becomes negative, said charge for said outputis determined as a predetermined amount.
 177. A memory medium accordingto claim 169, wherein said additional information is so controlled as tobe or not to be attached to said output information, based on attributeinformation indicating the number of output attached to said outputinformation.
 178. A memory medium according to claim 169, wherein saidcharge for said output is different for a color output and for amonochromatic output.
 179. A memory medium according to claim 169,wherein said output control program further comprises an operationprocess including said code input step and said setting input step. 180.A memory medium according to claim 169, wherein the output is amonochromatic output.
 181. A memory medium according to claim 169,wherein the output is a color output.
 182. A memory medium according toclaim 169, wherein said additional information is advertisementinformation to be attached to said output information.
 183. A memorymedium according to claim 169, wherein said code information is based oninformation obtained from an equipment other than a computer, such as amobile terminal.
 184. A memory medium according to claim 169, whereinthe output is executed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
 185. Amemory medium according to claim 169, wherein the output is executed byan ink jet printer unit. 186 A memory medium according to claim 169,wherein the output is associated with a charge settling function.
 187. Amemory medium according to claim 169, wherein the output is associatedwith a person verifying function.
 188. A memory medium according toclaim 169, wherein the output is based on the presence of a two-sideunit capable of output on the back surface.
 189. A memory mediumaccording to claim 169, wherein the output is based on the presence of acoin counter for payment of the charge for said output.
 190. A memorymedium according to claim 169, wherein said output control programfurther comprises an information reception step for receiving the outputinformation specified by said code information transmitted by saidtransmission step.
 191. A memory medium according to claim 169, whereinsaid apparatus is connected to said external apparatus through anetwork.
 192. A memory medium according to claim 169, wherein saidoutput control program further comprises a status transmission step fortransmitting a status to said external apparatus.
 193. Acomputer-readable memory medium storing a program for use in aninformation providing system composed of an information processingapparatus and an output control apparatus connected through a network:wherein the program in said information processing apparatus comprises:a code input step of entering code information for specifying outputinformation; and a code transmission step of transmitting said codeinformation entered by said code input step; and the program in saidoutput control apparatus comprises: a readout control step ofcontrolling information readout from a first memory step storing firstvalue information indicating the value of output information to beoutputted and from a second memory step storing second value informationindicating the value of additional information to be added to saidoutput information; a code reception step of receiving said codeinformation; and a determination step of determining a charge for theoutput of said output information and said additional information, basedon the first value information of said output information specified bythe code information received by said reception step and the secondvalue information of said additional information to be added in theoutput to said output information.
 194. A memory medium according toclaim 193, wherein said output information is present in plural unitsand said first value information corresponds to said plural outputinformation.
 195. A memory medium according to claim 193, wherein saidadditional information is present in plural units and said second valueinformation corresponds to said plural additional information.
 196. Amemory medium according to claim 193, wherein said charge for saidoutput, determined by said determination step, is based on a monetaryamount obtained by subtracting, from a monetary amount corresponding tosaid first value information, a monetary amount corresponding to saidsecond value information.
 197. A memory medium according to claim 193,wherein said charge for said output, determined by said determinationstep, is based on a monetary amount obtained by subtracting, from amonetary amount for executing the output and a monetary amountcorresponding to said first value information, a monetary amountcorresponding to said second value information.
 198. A memory mediumaccording to claim 193, wherein said charge for said output, determinedby said determination step, may become zero.
 199. A memory mediumaccording to claim 196, wherein, in case said monetary amount aftersubtraction becomes negative, said determination step is adapted todetermine the charge for said output as zero.
 200. A memory mediumaccording to claim 196, wherein, in case said monetary amount aftersubtraction becomes negative, said determination step is adapted todetermine the charge for said output as a predetermined amount.
 201. Amemory medium according to claim 193, wherein said additionalinformation is so controlled as to be or not to be attached to saidoutput information, based on attribute information indicating the numberof output attached to said output information.
 202. A memory mediumaccording to claim 193, wherein said charge for said output is differentfor a color output and for a monochromatic output.
 203. A memory mediumaccording to claim 193, wherein the program in said informationprocessing apparatus further comprises: a discrimination step ofdiscriminating whether or not to attach said additional information tosaid output information; wherein said determination step is adapted, incase said additional information is discriminated as not to be attachedto said output information, to determine the charge for said outputbased on the monetary amount corresponding to said first valueinformation and the monetary amount for executing the output.
 204. Amemory medium according to claim 193, wherein the output is amonochromatic output.
 205. A memory medium according to claim 193,wherein the output is a color output.
 206. A memory medium according toclaim 193, wherein said additional information is advertisementinformation to be attached to said output information.
 207. A memorymedium according to claim 193, wherein said code information is based oninformation obtained from an equipment other than a computer, such as amobile terminal.
 208. A memory medium according to claim 193, whereinthe output is executed by an electrophotographic printer unit.
 209. Amemory medium according to claim 193, wherein the output is executed byan ink jet printer unit.
 210. A memory medium according to claim 193,wherein the output is associated with a charge settling function.
 211. Amemory medium according to claim 193, wherein the output is associatedwith a person verifying function.
 212. A memory medium according toclaim 193, wherein the output is based on the presence of a two-sideunit capable of output on the back surface.
 213. A memory mediumaccording to claim 193, wherein the output is based on the presence of acoin counter for payment of the charge for said output.
 214. A memorymedium according to claim 193, wherein said information processingapparatus is adapted to recognize the status information of said outputcontrol apparatus for the purpose of executing the output.
 215. A memorymedium according to claim 193, wherein the program in said informationprocessing apparatus comprises: an information transmission step oftransmitting said output information, specified by said code informationreceived by said code reception step, to said output control apparatus;and the program in said output control apparatus comprises: aninformation reception step of receiving said output informationspecified by said code information transmitted by said code transmissionstep.
 216. A memory medium according to claim 193, wherein the programin said information processing apparatus comprises: an informationtransmission step of transmitting said output information, specified bysaid code information transmitted by said code transmission step, tosaid output control apparatus; and the program in said output controlapparatus comprises an information reception step of receiving saidoutput information specified by said code information transmitted bysaid code transmission step.
 217. An information processing apparatuscomprising: input means for entering code information corresponding tooutput information; output information acquisition means for acquiringsaid output information corresponding to said code information enteredby said input means; additional information acquisition means foracquiring additional information to be outputted together with saidoutput information; and output control means for controlling an outputunit in such a manner as to output said output information and saidadditional information, based on output surface information of saidadditional information.
 218. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 217, wherein said output control means is adapted tocontrol the output unit so as to output said output information on thefront surface and said additional information on the back surface. 219.An information processing apparatus according to claim 218, wherein saidoutput control means is adapted to control the output unit so as tooutput said additional information on the front and back surfaces. 220.An information processing apparatus according to claim 217, wherein saidoutput control means is adapted to control the output unit so as tooutput said additional information on a sheet separate from that forsaid output information.
 221. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 217, wherein said output control means is adapted tocontrol the output unit so as to output said additional information on acombination of the front surface, back surface and another sheet. 222.An information processing apparatus according to claim 217, furthercomprising input means for entering said output surface information.223. An information processing apparatus according to claim 222, whereinsaid input means can enter that the output surface information is theback surface.
 224. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 222, wherein said input means can enter that the output surfaceinformation is another sheet.
 225. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 222, wherein said input means can enter that theoutput surface information is a combination of the front surface, backsurface and another sheet.
 226. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 217, further comprising reception means for receivingsaid output surface information from an external apparatus.
 227. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 217, wherein saidoutput control means is adapted not to output said additionalinformation according to the attribute of said output information. 228.An information processing apparatus according to claim 217, wherein saidoutput control means is adapted not to output said additionalinformation according to the user information.
 229. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 217, wherein said output unit isan electrophotographic printer unit.
 230. An information processingapparatus according to claim 217, wherein said output unit is an ink jetprinter unit.
 231. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 217, wherein said output is a monochromatic output.
 232. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 217, wherein saidoutput is a color output.
 233. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 217, wherein said output unit is provided with atwo-side unit.
 234. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 217, further comprising a charge settling function apparatus. 235.An information processing apparatus according to claim 217, furthercomprising a UI unit for entering code information.
 236. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 217, wherein said additionalinformation is advertisement information.
 237. An information processingapparatus according to claim 217, wherein said output information ismail information.
 238. An information processing apparatus comprising:reception means for receiving code information corresponding to outputinformation from an external apparatus; output information acquisitionmeans for acquiring said output information corresponding to said codeinformation received by said reception means; additional informationacquisition means for acquiring additional information to be outputtedtogether with said output information; generation means for generatingoutput information in such a manner as to output said output informationand said additional information, based on output surface information ofsaid additional information; and transmission means for transmittingsaid output information generated by said generation means to saidexternal apparatus.
 239. An information processing apparatus accordingto claim 238, wherein said generation means is adapted to generate saidoutput information so as to output said output information on the frontsurface and said additional information on the back surface.
 240. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 239, wherein saidgeneration means is adapted to generate said output information so as tooutput said additional information on the front and back surfaces. 241.An information processing apparatus according to claim 238, wherein saidgeneration means is adapted to generate said output information so as tooutput said additional information on a sheet separate from that forsaid output information.
 242. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 238, wherein said generation means is adapted togenerate said output information so as to output said additionalinformation on a combination of the front surface, back surface andanother sheet.
 243. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 238, wherein said additional information is advertisementinformation.
 244. An information processing apparatus according to claim238, wherein said information processing apparatus is a serverapparatus.
 245. An information processing apparatus according to claim238, which comprises being connected to said external apparatus througha network.
 246. An information processing apparatus according to claim238, further comprising storage means for storing said outputinformation and said additional information.
 247. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 238, wherein said outputinformation is mail information.
 248. An information processingapparatus comprising: acquisition means for acquiring plural outputinformation corresponding to entered code information; first instructionreceiving means for receiving an instruction for outputting all saidoutput information acquired by said acquisition means; and secondinstruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for outputtingonly a part among said plural output information acquired by saidacquisition means.
 249. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 248, further comprising: output control means for controlling anoutput unit so as to output all said output information acquired by saidacquisition means, according to the instruction received by said firstinstruction receiving means.
 250. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 248, wherein said output unit is anelectrophotographic printer unit.
 251. An information processingapparatus according to claim 248, wherein said output unit is an ink jetprinter unit.
 252. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 248, wherein said output unit is provided with a two-side unit.253. An information processing apparatus according to claim 248, whereinsaid output is a monochromatic output.
 254. An information processingapparatus according to claim 248, wherein said output is a color output.255. An information processing apparatus according to claim 248, furthercomprising a charge settling function apparatus.
 256. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 248, further comprising a UIunit for entering code information.
 257. An information processingapparatus according to claim 248, wherein said output information ismail information.
 258. An information processing apparatus comprising:selection means for selecting the charge settling method for aninformation output; and output control means for controlling an outputunit so as to output, together with said information, a. symbolindicating the amount of charge for said information output, in case thecharge settling method selected by said selection means is cash payment.259. An information processing apparatus according to claim 258, whereinsaid symbol indicating the amount of said charge is a bar code.
 260. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 258, wherein theamount of said charge is variable according to additional informationattached to said information.
 261. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 258, wherein said charge is variable according to theoutput format of said information.
 262. An information processingapparatus according to claim 261, wherein said output format includes acolor output or a monochromatic output.
 263. An information processingapparatus according to claim 258, further comprising: input means forentering code information correlated with said information; wherein saidoutput control means is adapted to control an output unit so as tooutput said information corresponding to said code information enteredby said input means.
 264. An information processing apparatus accordingto claim 258, further comprising reception means for receiving theamount of said charge from an external apparatus.
 265. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 258, wherein said output unit isan electrophotographic printer unit.
 266. An information processingapparatus according to claim 258, wherein said output unit is an ink jetprinter unit.
 267. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 258, wherein said output is a monochromatic output.
 268. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 258, wherein saidoutput is a color output.
 269. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 258, wherein said output unit is provided with atwo-side unit.
 270. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 258, further comprising a charge settling function apparatus. 271.An information processing apparatus according to claim 258, furthercomprising a UI unit for entering code information.
 272. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 258, wherein said outputinformation is mail information.
 273. An information processing methodcomprising: an input step of entering code information corresponding tooutput information; an output information acquisition step of acquiringsaid output information corresponding to said code information enteredby said input step; an additional information acquisition step ofacquiring additional information to be outputted together with saidoutput information; and an output control step of controlling an outputunit in such a manner as to output said output information and saidadditional information, based on output surface information of saidadditional information.
 274. An information processing method accordingto claim 273, wherein said output control step is adapted to control theoutput unit so as to output said output information on the front surfaceand said additional information on the back surface.
 275. An informationprocessing method according to claim 274, wherein said output controlstep is adapted to control the output unit so as to output saidadditional information on the front and back surface.
 276. Aninformation processing method according to claim 273, wherein saidoutput control step is adapted to control the output unit so as tooutput said additional information on a sheet separate from that forsaid output information.
 277. An information processing method accordingto claim 273, wherein said output control step is adapted to control theoutput unit so as to output said additional information on a combinationof the front surface, back surface and another sheet.
 278. Aninformation processing method according to claim 273, further comprisingan input step of entering said output surface information.
 279. Aninformation processing method according to claim 278, wherein said inputstep can enter that the output surface information is the back surface.280. An information processing method according to claim 278, whereinsaid input step can enter that the output surface information is anothersheet.
 281. An information processing method according to claim 278,wherein said input step can enter that the output surface information isa combination of the front surface, back surface and another sheet. 282.An information processing method according to claim 273, furthercomprising a reception step of receiving said output surface informationfrom an external apparatus.
 283. An information processing methodaccording to claim 273, wherein said output control step is adapted notto output said additional information according to the attribute of saidoutput information.
 284. An information processing method according toclaim 273, wherein said output control step is adapted not to outputsaid additional information according to the user information.
 285. Aninformation processing method according to claim 273, wherein saidoutput unit is an electrophotographic printer unit.
 286. An informationprocessing method according to claim 273, wherein said output unit is anink jet printer unit.
 287. An information processing method according toclaim 273, wherein said output is a monochromatic output.
 288. Aninformation processing method according to claim 273, wherein saidoutput is a color output.
 289. An information processing methodaccording to claim 273, wherein said output unit is provided with atwo-side unit.
 290. An information processing method according to claim273, further comprising a charge settling process.
 291. An informationprocessing method according to claim 273, further comprising a UIprocess for entering code information.
 292. An information processingmethod according to claim 273, wherein said additional information isadvertisement information.
 293. An information processing methodaccording to claim 273, wherein said output information is mailinformation.
 294. An information processing method comprising: areception step of receiving code information corresponding to outputinformation from an external apparatus; an output informationacquisition step of acquiring said output information corresponding tosaid code information received by said reception step; an additionalinformation acquisition step of acquiring additional information to beoutputted together with said output information; a generation step ofgenerating output information in such a manner as to output said outputinformation and said additional information, based on output surfaceinformation of said additional information; and a transmission step oftransmitting said output information generated by said generation stepto said external apparatus.
 295. An information processing methodaccording to claim 294, wherein said generation step is adapted togenerate said output information so as to output said output informationon the front surface and said additional information on the backsurface.
 296. An information processing method according to claim 295,wherein said generation step is adapted to generate said outputinformation so as to output said additional information on the front andback surfaces.
 297. An information processing method according to claim294, wherein said generation step is adapted to generate said outputinformation so as to output said additional information on a sheetseparate from that for said output information.
 298. An informationprocessing method according to claim 294, wherein said generation stepis adapted to generate said output information so as to output saidadditional information on a combination of the front surface, backsurface and another sheet.
 299. An information processing methodaccording to claim 294, wherein said additional information isadvertisement information.
 300. An information processing methodaccording to claim 294, wherein said information processing method isexecuted by a server apparatus.
 301. An information processing methodaccording to claim 294, which comprises being connected to said externalapparatus through a network.
 302. An information processing methodaccording to claim 294, further comprising a storage step of storingsaid output information and said additional information.
 303. Aninformation processing method according to claim 290, wherein saidoutput information is mail information.
 304. An information processingmethod comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring plural outputinformation corresponding to entered code information; a firstinstruction receiving step of receiving an instruction for outputtingall said output information acquired by said acquisition step; and asecond instruction receiving step of receiving an instruction foroutputting only a part among said plural output information acquired bysaid acquisition step.
 305. An information processing method accordingto claim 304, further comprising: an output control step of controllingan output unit so as to output all said output information acquired bysaid acquisition step, according to the instruction received by saidfirst instruction receiving step.
 306. An information processing methodaccording to claim 304, wherein said output unit is anelectrophotographic printer unit.
 307. An information processing methodaccording to claim 304, wherein said output unit is an ink jet printerunit.
 308. An information processing method according to claim 304,wherein said output unit is provided with a two-side unit.
 309. Aninformation processing method according to claim 304, wherein saidoutput is a monochromatic output.
 310. An information processing methodaccording to claim 304, wherein said output is a color output.
 311. Aninformation processing method according to claim 304, further comprisinga charge settling process.
 312. An information processing methodaccording to claim 304, further comprising a UI process for enteringcode information.
 313. An information processing method according toclaim 304, wherein said output information is mail information.
 314. Aninformation processing method comprising: a selection step of selectingthe charge settling method for an information output; and an outputcontrol step of controlling an output unit so as to output, togetherwith said information, a symbol indicating the amount of charge for saidinformation output, in case the charge settling method selected by saidselection step is cash payment.
 315. An information processing methodaccording to claim 314, wherein said symbol indicating the amount ofsaid charge is a bar code.
 316. An information processing methodaccording to claim 314, wherein the amount of said charge is variableaccording to additional information attached to said information. 317.An information processing method according to claim 314, wherein saidcharge is variable according to the output format of said information.318. An information processing method according to claim 317, whereinsaid output format includes a color output or a monochromatic output.319. An information processing method according to claim 314, furthercomprising: an input step of entering code information correlated withsaid information; wherein said output control step is adapted to controlan output unit so as to output said information corresponding to saidcode information entered by said input step.
 320. An informationprocessing method according to claim 314, further comprising a receptionstep of receiving the amount of said charge from an external apparatus.321. An information processing method according to claim 314, whereinsaid output unit is an electrophotographic printer unit.
 322. Aninformation processing method according to claim 314, wherein saidoutput unit is an ink jet printer unit.
 323. An information processingmethod according to claim 314, wherein said output is a monochromaticoutput.
 324. An information processing method according to claim 314,wherein said output is a color output.
 325. An information processingmethod according to claim 314, wherein said output unit is provided witha two-side unit.
 326. An information processing method according toclaim 314, further comprising a charge settling process.
 327. Aninformation processing method according to claim 314, further comprisinga UI process for entering code information.
 328. An informationprocessing method according to claim 314, wherein said outputinformation is mail information.
 329. A computer-readable memory mediumstoring an information processing program, the program comprising: aninput step of entering code information corresponding to outputinformation; an output information acquisition step of acquiring saidoutput information corresponding to said code information entered bysaid input step; an additional information acquisition step of acquiringadditional information to be outputted together with said outputinformation; and an output control step of controlling an output unit insuch a manner as to output said output information and said additionalinformation, based on output surface information of said additionalinformation.
 330. A memory medium according to claim 329, wherein saidoutput control step is adapted to control the output unit so as tooutput said output information on the front surface and said additionalinformation on the back surface.
 331. A memory medium according to claim330, wherein said output control step is adapted to control the outputunit so as to output said additional information on the front and backsurfaces.
 332. A memory medium according to claim 329, wherein saidoutput control step is adapted to control the output unit so as tooutput said additional information on a sheet separate from that forsaid output information.
 333. A memory medium according to claim 329,wherein said output control step is adapted to control the output unitso as to output said additional information on a combination of thefront surface, back surface and another sheet.
 334. A memory mediumaccording to claim 329, wherein said information processing programfurther comprises an input step of entering said output surfaceinformation.
 335. A memory medium according to claim 334, wherein saidinput step can enter that the output surface information is the backsurface.
 336. A memory medium according to claim 334, wherein said inputstep can enter that the output surface information is another sheet.337. A memory medium according to claim 334, wherein said input step canenter that the output surface information is a combination of the frontsurface, back surface and another sheet.
 338. A memory medium accordingto claim 329, wherein said information processing program furthercomprises a reception step of receiving said output surface informationfrom an external apparatus.
 339. A memory medium according to claim 329,wherein said output control step is adapted not to output saidadditional information according to the attribute of said outputinformation.
 340. A memory medium according to claim 329, wherein saidoutput control step is adapted not to output said additional informationaccording to the user information.
 341. A memory medium according toclaim 329, wherein said output unit is an electrophotographic printerunit.
 342. A memory medium according to claim 329, wherein said outputunit is an ink jet printer unit.
 343. A memory medium according to claim329, wherein said output is a monochromatic output.
 344. A memory mediumaccording to claim 329, wherein said output is a color output.
 345. Amemory medium according to claim 329, wherein said output unit isprovided with a two-side unit.
 346. A memory medium according to claim329, wherein said information processing program further comprises acharge settling process.
 347. A memory medium according to claim 329,wherein said information processing program further comprises a UIprocess for entering code information.
 348. A memory medium according toclaim 329, wherein said additional information is advertisementinformation.
 349. A memory medium according to claim 329, wherein saidoutput information is mail information.
 350. A computer-readable memorymedium storing an information processing program, the programcomprising: a reception step of receiving code information correspondingto output information from an external apparatus; an output informationacquisition step of acquiring said output information corresponding tosaid code information received by said reception step; an additionalinformation acquisition step of acquiring additional information to beoutputted together with said output information; a generation step ofgenerating output information in such a manner as to output said outputinformation and said additional information, based on output surfaceinformation of said additional information; and a transmission step oftransmitting said output information generated by said generation stepto said external apparatus.
 351. A memory medium according to claim 350,wherein said generation step is adapted to generate said outputinformation so as to output said output information on the front surfaceand said additional information on the back surface.
 352. A memorymedium according to claim 351, wherein said generation step is adaptedto generate said output information so as to output said additionalinformation on the front sand back surface.
 353. A memory mediumaccording to claim 350, wherein said generation step is adapted togenerate said output information so as to output said additionalinformation on a sheet separate from that for said output information.354. A memory medium according to claim 350, wherein said generationstep is adapted to generate said output information so as to output saidadditional information on a combination of the front surface, backsurface and another sheet.
 355. A memory medium according to claim 350,wherein said additional information is advertisement information.
 356. Amemory medium according to claim 350, wherein said informationprocessing method is executed by a server apparatus.
 357. A memorymedium according to claim 350, which comprises being connected to saidexternal apparatus through a network.
 358. A memory medium according toclaim 350, wherein said information processing program further comprisesa storage step of storing said output information and said additionalinformation.
 359. A memory medium according to claim 290, wherein saidoutput information is mail information.
 360. A computer-readable memorymedium storing an information processing program, the programcomprising: an acquisition step of acquiring plural output informationcorresponding to entered code information; a first instruction receivingstep of receiving an instruction for outputting all said outputinformation acquired by said acquisition step; and a second instructionreceiving step of receiving an instruction for outputting only a partamong said plural output information acquired by said acquisition step.361. A memory medium according to claim 360, wherein said informationprocessing program further comprises: an output control step ofcontrolling an output unit so as to output all said output informationacquired by said acquisition step, according to the instruction receivedby said first instruction receiving step.
 362. A memory medium accordingto claim 360, wherein said output unit is an electrophotographic printerunit.
 363. A memory medium according to claim 360, wherein said outputunit is an ink jet printer unit.
 364. A memory medium according to claim360, wherein said output unit is provided with a two-side unit.
 365. Amemory medium according to claim 360, wherein said output is amonochromatic output.
 366. A memory medium according to claim 360,wherein said output is a color output.
 367. A memory medium according toclaim 360, wherein said information processing program further comprisesa charge settling process.
 368. A memory medium according to claim 360,wherein said information processing program further comprises a UIprocess for entering code information.
 369. A memory medium according toclaim 360, wherein said output information is mail information.
 370. Acomputer-readable memory medium storing an information processingprogram, the program comprising: a selection step of selecting thecharge settling method for an information output; and an output controlstep of controlling an output unit so as to output, together with saidinformation, a symbol indicating the amount of charge for saidinformation output, in case the charge settling method selected by saidselection step is cash payment.
 371. A memory medium according to claim370, wherein said symbol indicating the amount of said charge is a barcode.
 372. A memory medium according to claim 370, wherein the amount ofsaid charge is variable according to additional information attached tosaid information.
 373. A memory medium according to claim 370, whereinsaid charge is variable according to the output format of saidinformation.
 374. A memory medium according to claim 373, wherein saidoutput format includes a color output or a monochromatic output.
 375. Amemory medium according to claim 370, wherein said informationprocessing program further comprises: an input step of entering codeinformation correlated with said information; wherein said outputcontrol step is adapted to control an output unit so as to output saidinformation corresponding to said code information entered by said inputstep.
 376. A memory medium according to claim 370, wherein saidinformation processing program further comprises a reception step ofreceiving the amount of said charge from an external apparatus.
 377. Amemory medium according to claim 370, wherein said output unit is anelectrophotographic printer unit.
 378. A memory medium according toclaim 370, wherein said output unit is an ink jet printer unit.
 379. Amemory medium according to claim 370, wherein said output is amonochromatic output.
 380. A memory medium according to claim 370,wherein said output is a color output.
 381. A memory medium according toclaim 370, wherein said output unit is provided with a two-side unit.382. A memory medium according to claim 370, wherein said informationprocessing program further comprises a charge settling process.
 383. Amemory medium according to claim 370, wherein said informationprocessing program further comprises a UI process for entering codeinformation.
 384. A memory medium according to claim 370, wherein saidoutput information is mail information.